Gillett Evernham Motorsports announced today that they have added Patrick Carpentier to their driver lineup for 2008. The Quebec native and former open wheel stand out will drive fulltime in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series next year as well as select races in the Nationwide [Busch] Series. The car number and sponsorship have not yet been announced.

Carpentier made his Nextel Cup Series debut earlier this season driving the #10 Valvoline/Stanley Tools Dodge Avenger at Watkins Glen, leading seven laps in the event. Just one week earlier, he had made his Busch Series debut at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. The road course veteran proved to be a quick study as he won the pole for the event and led 14 laps en route to a second-place finish. Carpentier has compiled two Champ Car World Series wins, three CART victories, and a Toyota Atlantic Championship.

“We are excited to add Patrick Carpentier to our organization for 2008,” said George Gillett co-owner of Gillett Evernham Motorsports. “Patrick (Carpentier) has shown tremendous talent in every series he has driven throughout his career and has a bright future in NASCAR. We are committed to giving Patrick (Carpentier) the best resources and opportunities available to make this transition and we look forward to a great deal of success together both on and off the track.”

Gillett Evernham Motorsports will conduct a formal press conference next week to introduce Patrick Carpentier and discuss further details. Information regarding this press conference to follow.

[ClearBlue/GEM]