SONOMA, California — Michael Waltrip Racing announced today that Patrick Carpentier will drive the No. 55 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota Camry in the upcoming Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Infineon Raceway, June 19-21 (Father’s Day weekend).
“There are so many great road-course racers competing in Sonoma this year, and as the owner and driver of the No. 55 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota, I am in a unique position,” said Waltrip who has two top-five and 11 top-10 finishes in his NASCAR Sprint Cup road-racing career. “If I see where I can improve my car’s performance then that’s exactly what I am going to do. I am a good road racer, but Patrick is a great road racer.
Road-course racing suits Carpentier just fine as he has one pole and two runner-up finishes at Montreal, a top-five finish at Mexico City and five top-10 finishes in Nationwide Series competition. He also has scored three top-25 finishes at NASCAR Sprint Cup Series road-course events. Last season, he crossed the finish line in 23rd position at Infineon Raceway while driving for Gillett Evernham Motorsports.
“I couldn’t believe it when I was approached with this opportunity. I am honored,” said Carpentier. “For me to work with a guy like Michael Waltrip, who is a legend in NASCAR, is an amazing opportunity. I really like driving these cars on the road courses. We will work hard and get some good things going at Infineon Raceway. It’s my goal to get a good finish and plenty of points for the NAPA AUTO PARTS team.”
Currently the No. 55 NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota is ranked 32nd in the owner and driver championship standings – less than 100 points out of the top 25. Last month, Waltrip saw his No. 00 Aaron’s Dream Machine team with driver David Reutimann earn Michael Waltrip Racing its first NASCAR Sprint Cup Series victory in just its third season of competition.
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Toyota/Save Mart 350 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series
WHAT: Big O Tires Racing Season Presents: Toyota/Save Mart 350
WHEN: June 19-21 (Father’s Day weekend)
2008 POLE WINNER: Kasey Kahne
2008 WINNER: Kyle Busch
NOTABLE: The weekend will also feature competition in the Bennett Lane Winery 200, presented by Supercuts, NASCAR Camping World Series West event on Saturday.
START TIMES (Pacific):
Friday, June 19: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pole Day, 3:35 p.m.
Saturday, June 20: NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Final Practice, 10:50 a.m.; Bennett Lane Winery 200, presented by Supercuts, 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, June 21 (Father’s Day): Toyota/Save Mart 350, 2 p.m.
TICKETS: $25-$130 single day/$99-$180 weekend; parking is FREE
INFORMATION: 800-870-RACE, www.infineonraceway.com or www.ticketmaster.com
