Carpentier re-signs for Player's

Despite a disappointing run of form so far this year, both parties decided to get Carpentier's contract signed and sealed in order to concentrate on getting back up to the front.

The Canadian scored seven top five finishes last year, but Carpentier's highest finish in 2001 is a fifth place in Portland last month. However, the 29-year-old believes the team is capable of becoming a consistent frontrunner.

"We went through some tough times early in the season," said Carpentier. "But everyone stayed focused because we knew we had all the ingredients to be successful. I know that things are starting to turn around and I expect great things for the second half of the season."

It has yet to be announced whether Carpentier's current team mate and fellow countryman Alex Tagliani will also stay on with the team. The Quebecois score the team's best result of the season with a second place in Toronto last weekend and is currently 16th in the standings, compared to 21st for Carpentier.

The team heads to the Michigan International Speedway this weekend and will be hoping for a repeat of its Toronto form. Carpentier finished fourth at the 2-mile oval last year and believes he is capable of a repeat performance or better on Sunday.

"The race on the Michigan super-oval is going to be fast and exciting, with plenty of lead changes," he said. "There were more than 50 lead changes last year and almost as many the year before that. One of the keys is to make sure you stay on the lead lap so that you are in a position to be in contention near the end."