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Patrick Carpentier becomes free agent as GEM forfeits right of refusal
By Bob Pockrass - Associate Editor
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Kevin C. Cox
Getty Images
Patrick Carpentier is officially a free agent as the driver says that Gillett Evernham Motorsports has told him it does not have a sponsor for him for next season.
The NASCAR Sprint Cup rookie had been free to talk to other teams, but GEM had first right of refusal until Tuesday. GEM could still find a sponsor for Carpentier, but the former open-wheel driver believes that likely will not happen.
GEM already has three drivers under contract for next year – current drivers Kasey Kahne and Elliott Sadler as well as Chip Ganassi Racing’s Reed Sorenson.
“It sure is sad that we don’t keep going,” Carpentier said in a phone interview with NASCAR Scene from his home in Las Vegas Tuesday. “I think we did pretty good with the No. 10. … I’m disappointed, but it’s OK. I’m going to enjoy the rest of the year and just have fun with it and see if we can find anything else.”
Carpentier is 36th in points and has competed in 22 of the 27 Cup events. He has failed to qualify for two events, missed two others when qualifying was rained out and skipped one event to concentrate on the Nationwide Series race in his native Montreal.
“We’re talking to a couple of teams, and some of them seem to have a good interest,” Carpentier said. “Hopefully we do [find something], but you never know in racing.”
Carpentier's Gillett Evernham team currently is 196 points outside of the top 35 in owners points, but Carpentier said he would like to get that car back in the top 35 in points.
“I’m still learning a lot,” Carpentier said. “I have one year on the technical side of it. That’s where the other guys get you during the race – during the pit stops, how the car is going to go and if the weather changes, what’s going to happen.
“What do you change to make it less tight or tighter? That’s been the hardest part, keeping up with the guys during the race.”
Carpentier’s business partner, Robert Desrosiers, said he was optimistic that Carpentier could find a ride with another team.
“There are still some good rides [that] are available,” Desrosiers said. “We’re talking to all these guys. … Now that Patrick is free, I believe one of these teams will be interested in sitting down with us.”
Desrosiers also said there was no bitterness toward GEM.
“We’re not sour; we’re not bitter – just disappointed,” Desrosiers said. “We’ll just have to deal with it like adults and move forward.”
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23 responses to "Patrick Carpentier becomes free agent as GEM forfeits right of refusal". Post a Comment.
Chelsea said:
Sep 16, 2008 at 5:32 PMNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. *cries* I hope someone picks him up. I don't wanna see him out of NASCAR yet!
Jay North said:
Sep 16, 2008 at 5:39 PMWell looks like GEM is the big loser here. Honestly what the hell has Reed Sorenson ever done in this sport. NOTHING at least Carpentier showed he had it in him every week and raced with passion and had fun at the same time. Not too many drivers like that now. But I am sure he'll find a ride and I hope it kicks GEM in the face.
dominic vallee said:
Sep 16, 2008 at 5:44 PMthats a shame let go patrick is a big mistake , he is not ther for a day job ,its a passion for him ,to bad for GEM if they let him go
Shelley Phillips said:
Sep 16, 2008 at 6:24 PMIt would be a real shame if Patrick end up out of NASCAR next season. He is such a breath of fresh air compared to spoiled rookies like Logano. Good luck Patrick! Hope someone picks him up.
Kelsey Hannigan said:
Sep 16, 2008 at 6:49 PMPatrick is one of the greatest guy just in terms of personality, he never insults his team even in bad times, the same can not be said of Reed Sorenson and the Chip Ganassi Felix Sabates team. Ray Evernham has once again dropped another driver for questionalbe reasons. He dropped Mayfield a proven winner with the organization, and Scoot Riggs after a struggling year within the whole organization not just the 10 team. Ray could not have expected more out of this class act of a driver, Patrick Carpentier is a true kind heart with a racers soul.
ed gordon said:
Sep 16, 2008 at 7:02 PMPatrick Villenueve should head on back to some open wheel series,maybe carts.It didn't work out.Say la vie!
Richard Clower said:
Sep 16, 2008 at 7:53 PMCarpentier is a good guy and a good driver. His biggest problem is that he's a 37 year old rookie. that's too old to begin a career in nascar, sorry but that's the cold hard truth. Sorenson offers a much bigger upside if they can get him in a competitive car that will last for the next 20 years. Nothing personal, it's just business
Ryden Caparelli said:
Sep 16, 2008 at 8:33 PMIt is a real shame that Patrick is going to end up being replaced by the pretty much unsuccessful Reed Sorenson. I dont think Sabatas should have come out and said Reed is as good as he is ever going to be, but it is the truth. Reed is going to get no better at GEM, and yet he is going to get the nod for the 10 car over a guy (Patrick) who has poured his heart and sole into that 10 car all season long. As for being a 37 year old rookie......So the heck what as long as you can put great effort into driving. Sorenson, Richard, will be just about where he is now with GEM next year. and in 2 or 3 years, he will find himself out of this sport or with a field filler team. I wouldnt worry people, Patrick will not be out of NASCAR in 2009. From what I have heard, the Wood Brothers are looking at him right now, just couldnt do anything because he was technically under contract. But now that he is free, he could be the driver of the 21, and who knows, maybe that is all the 21 needs is one driver all season long. And Richard, while GEM is with Dodge, Sorenson will not come to know competitive cars.
Steve C said:
Sep 16, 2008 at 10:05 PMThe new corporate NASCAR sucks, GEM should have never dumped him. He was never allowed the time to learn the cup car. I foresee the Wood Brothers picking him up. Once the Wood Bros have a driver they can build on, you will see a competitive team wih Patrick behind the wheel. If the Wood Bros don't pick him up, someone else will.
Graceann Jackson said:
Sep 16, 2008 at 10:16 PMWhat you got to remember is that Ray doesn't have the last say in the matter. Gillette made it clear from the beginning that Ray had hired Patrick before the merger between them was a done deal. With Ray selling 80% of the company to Gillett I doubt very seriously if Ray could stop this decision. I hate it that Patrick is being let go as well but don't lay all the the blame on Ray unless you know the facts. No, I am not taking up for Ray. Right now he is not my favorite person. With the knowledge this man possesses there is no reason GEM drivers should be struggling. They have the sponsors and the money flow should be comfortable so Ray what's the freakin problem? Help your team! Don't set there on the set of ESPN and let the other Panelist say that your drivers are disappointments and not defend them. To me that was the worst display of ownership I have ever seen. Kahne should have bolted after 2007,but he stuck with you out of loyalty where's yours Ray?
del brown said:
Sep 17, 2008 at 2:58 AMHope this works out well for Patrick. Frankly GEM seems to be sliding downhill and picking up speed before becoming a full-on avalanche. But sponsors are in short supply and those that are still in the game are looking for proven owner/driver packages.
beth emerson said:
Sep 17, 2008 at 7:00 AMFOR # 6 YOU NEED TO GET HIS LAST NAME RIGHT. IF YOU CANT THEN MAYBE YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE ANYTHING TO SAY. AS FAR AS PATRICK GOES YOU DO NEED A SPONSOR FOR THE CAR THEY DONT HAVE THAT. SECOND I WILL NEVER UNDERSTAND WHY ANYONE WOULD PICK REED SORENSON AT ANY POINT IN TIME. THIS GUY CAN NOT DRIVE A CAR. AT LEAST PATRICK WAS ABLE TO GET THAT QUALIFIED ALMOST EVERY TIME HE WAS ON THE TRACK. I HOPE SOMEONE PICKS HIM UP. GIVEN THE CHANCE I THINK THE GUY CAN HOLD HIS OWN. GOOD LUCK TO HIM.
Lori Parker said:
Sep 17, 2008 at 7:36 AMOne, it's correct that Ray probably had no say in the final decision regarding Patrick or the signing of Sorenson. Two, GEM is not struggling because of Ray, it is struggling because Dodge has scaled back their racing program and they are sending GEM (and other Dodge teams) crap. All you have to do is listen to the guys on the scanners and you can figure that out. Three, Mayfield was sent packing because he couldn't be professional enough to keep his mouth shut regarding his boss's personal matters. Regardless of your opinion or what you think you know, it is not your place to air someone else's dirty laundry in public. Mayfield got what he deserved, IMHO. Four, Scott Riggs is a good guy, but when you compare him to Patrick, there's no way you'd pick Scott. Patrick's desire to learn and do well outshines pretty much everyone else out there. Reed Sorenson will be a very big disappointment at GEM, like he has been for Ganassi. Whoever made the decision to sign him should be both fired and have his head examined. I love Ray and GEM, will always cheer for them to do well, but my hope for the future (especially if they stay with Dodge) is slowly going away. And I will be a Patrick Carpentier fan wherever he goes.
Chelsea said:
Sep 17, 2008 at 8:06 AMGraceann, I thought Gillett was the one that brought in Patrick because of their Canadian connection? Hmm...that's what I heard. Oh well...what's done is done, I guess. It just sucks because I love Patrick and I don't think he really got a fair shot at GEM. This was his first year, after all. I just hope someone picks him up...then I'll be happy again! :)
Mary Reeson said:
Sep 17, 2008 at 8:28 AMThat sure is sad as he was good for Nascar. He is a really good driver and was finaly getting the hang of oval and left turns. He certainly is a lot better than Reed Sorenson. I hope he is able to find another ride.
Bill Rogers said:
Sep 17, 2008 at 9:31 AMPatrick...I hope he gets another ride. He has a good personality for NASCAR and TV, and he drives better than alot of the current bottom feeders. He will have a huge fan base if he stays in. Good luck to you Patrick!
Michael Murray said:
Sep 17, 2008 at 9:47 AMAbout time all the folks that think Reed is a waste of space chime in. I was beat up for stating that when it was announced he will move to GEM. Patrick is a go getter, Reed has the personality of the dude that takes your order at a fast food joint. Just lifeless and wishing he was not there. Sad part is Reed is there and we all have to watch him be a pack filler for yet another year. Reed a no talent A.S.S. Clown!
l-p auger said:
Sep 17, 2008 at 11:59 AMWhat a shame! Of course, as a Canadian i'm extremelly disapointed but as a NASCAR fan, even more. Here's a guy that came in last year with nothing and showed that he could go great things with an average car. Imagine him in a more performant car. What about Ford asking everyone with a Ford engine to try to find him a spot. Hope this is true
l-p auger said:
Sep 17, 2008 at 12:02 PMAs for canadian companies get up, smell the coffee AND sponsor him!!!!
DAVID PHILLIPS said:
Sep 17, 2008 at 4:48 PML-P has the only correct answer. Come on Canucks, you like NASCAR, show it! By the way, not to critique, but computers have been on the market plenty long now, and if you are typing in blogs, or emails, you should know by now not to TYPE IN ALL CAPS! IT IS THE EQUIVALENT OF SHOUTING AT SOMEONE! Sorry, had to say that. Good luck Patrick!
Ed Clements said:
Sep 17, 2008 at 8:16 PMWhy would anyone think that Patrick is a better driver than Scott Riggs. Scott has been a blue collar guy since he got a cup ride. He has worked for 2nd rate teams but has been the guy to do all of the testing and you never hear him complain. This year he has worked with equipment that is inferior to equipment that Patrick has been given, but he finishes races and gets the most out of what he's given. Patrick should have stayed in open wheel racing where he new what he was doing. Scott is a great driver and he will bring sponsors with him wherever he goes. Given decent equipment, Scott will get the job done.
said:
Sep 17, 2008 at 9:27 PMSorenson is leaving one bad team to another. I hope something works for him. Maybe he can do well in a real racecar.
Lori Parker said:
Sep 18, 2008 at 8:20 AMPatrick is a rookie this year and has shown the willingness to learn and has made steady improvement. When he reaches a level of experience equal to Scott Riggs, he will surpass him regardless of equipment. Scott is a great guy and a good driver, but mediocre. Patrick will go far if given the chance. Reed Sorenson wouldn't do well even if he went to Hendrick.