Gidley to replace injured Carpentier

The Canadian suffered a broken wrist - putting him out of two races - following an accident at his Las Vegas home.

According to CART's chief orthopedic surgeon, Dr Terry Trammell, the 28-year-old lost his balance while going up the stairs carrying a heavy suitcase and fractured his wrist trying to cushion his fall.

"I'm extremely disappointed to find myself on the sidelines after starting the season on such a strong note with a fifth-place finish at Homestead," said Carpentier.

"I feel bad for all the guys on the team who have worked so hard to get us to this point, but this latest setback will only increase my resolve to help make Team Player's a championship contender when I come back."

Gidley made a combined 10 starts for Walker Racing and Payton Coyne Racing during his rookie season in CART last year.

He said: "It's kind of strange because I replaced Patrick at Lynx Racing after he won the Atlantic Championship in 1996, and while this situation is totally different, I know that Patrick will be equally supportive and root for me and his Team Player's crew.