Carpentier signs with GEM

The Canadian had been linked to a drive for the team since he competed for them at Watkins Glen International this year, racing the No. 10 car regularly driven by Scott Riggs and taking it to a 22nd place finish after leading seven laps on what was his first ever Nextel Cup race.

A week before that, he had made his NASCAR debut racing in the Busch Series event at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal, where he impressed by taking pole position. He then followed that with a second place finish in the race, driving a Dodge Charger for Fitz Motorsport.

"Right now that's the place to be, and that's where the show is," Carpentier said about NASCAR last August before making his Nextel Cup debut at Watkins Glen. "Hopefully [this] will be a second start of a different career."

Almost two months ago, American entrepreneur George Gillett bought a majority stake in Evernham Motorsports and Carpentier is believed to be a favorite of his. Also, among his many businesses, Gillett owns the Montreal Canadiens National Hockey League (NHL) team.

Scott Riggs was announced last week by Haas CNC Racing as one of their drivers for the 2008 Sprint Cup, giving a hint at Carpentier's deal.

This year. Riggs has qualified for 24 out of 29 races for Evernham in the No. 10 car, which currently lies 37th in the owner points. This means Carpentier will probably have a challenging start to his 2008 year as he may have to qualify on time for the first few races of the season.

David Stremme, who currently drives the No. 40 car for Chip Ganassi Racing, was another candidate to replace Riggs next year as he is leaving the Ganassi stable, where Dario Franchitti will take over his ride.

He now seems to be in trouble to get a drive for next year as most seats for 2008 have already been filled.

Carpentier's move also means the 2008 NASCAR Sprint Cup is set to be the most international ever, having two Canadians, a Scot and a Colombian involved full-time with the series.