Scott Riggs Out of #10 at Phoenix
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Posted by Jeremy Dunn Oct 26, 2007 |
It was common knowledge that Scott Riggs would be replaced with Patrick Carpentier for the 2008 Sprint Cup season, but the driver change is coming earlier than previously expected. Starting at Phoenix, Patrick Carpentier will take over driving duties of the #10 Dodge fielded by Gillett Evernham Motorsports.
We're going to work real hard to give Patrick what he needs," said CEO Ray Evernham. "We are going to try to get him in a car more and more this year. We're trying to get him in some races. We're trying to surround him with veteran people. We have talked to people likeKenny Schrader We have a lot of great plans."
Carpentier is another component of the open wheel to NASCAR craze. This new-fangled way of finding a NASCAR driver has become the norm ever since Chip Ganassi Racing has found moderate success with former CART champion, and Formula One winner Juan Pablo Montoya. Dario Franchitti will replace David Stremme at Chip Ganassi Racing, and Jacques Villenueve will take over the ride at Bill Davis Racing which was recently vacated by Jeremy Mayfield.
Scott Riggs will join Mayfield at Haas CNC in 2008, possibly replacing Johnny Sauter.
Evernham has had trouble finding veteran leadership ever since Bill Elliot retired in 2003. Mayfield never seemed comfortable in that leadership role, and Kasey Kahne is so darn inconsistent. Elliott Sadler has the charisma, but he appears lost on the racetrack. Evernham feels that Carpentier can spark his team.
"The neat thing about it is that we have a guy that really, really appreciates the opportunity. He is a home run with the media. ... Patrick has brought a little bit of spark to the organization. And we're happy."
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