Patrick Carpentier explains what happened

What's left of the Dragon race car

Tim Wohlford/AR1.com

We spoke to a team member who said the veteran Carpentier was brought in to evaluate the car and see if he could get it to handle, with the plan to then put Speed back in the car.  That all went out the window when Carpentier crashed, ending all hopes of making the field for Dragon Racing.......unless someone like Roger Penske lends them a back up.

Carpentier had reached 222.294 mph on Lap 19 of 24 in the scheduled one-hour session, before the car made contact with the SAFER Barrier in Turn 1 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Carpentier was checked and cleared by the INDYCAR medical staff. Dragon Racing's plans for qualifying were uncertain.

Standing in the pit box with his firesuit tied around his waist, Scott Speed watched the telemetry data stream across the computer screen and the Timing & Scoring monitor. He had practiced throughout the week but didn't make a qualifying attempt on Pole Day.

"We weren't ready yesterday. We had some issues and just needed some time to try some things we thought we'd found," Speed said.

05/22/11 Our original source was correct as this rumor is upgraded to 'fact.'  Carpentier did replace Scott Speed and just now Carpentier promptly stuffed the Dragon car in the wall.  Out of cars, it looks like that may be it for Dragon Racing this May.

05/22/11 Jaques Lazier has already been to see the team from what we hear.  The Fuzzy's sponsorship requires an American driver, which Carpentier is not.  This is why Scott Speed was chosen over other more capable drivers.

05/22/11 We are getting word here in Indy that Patrick Carpentier is talking to Dragon Racing this morning and may replace Ho-Pin Tung who has a slight Concussion after yesterday's accident or Scott Speed who is too slow.