Carpentier gets axed from NASCAR ride

UPDATE "We left on good terms," said Carpentier. "Obviously it's difficult for me to put aside everything that I prepare for my future in Canada just to qualify the car, run some laps and quit due to the lack of funds." Baldwin has similar thoughts. "Times are tough for everyone, but even more for small companies like us," said the owner and crew chief. "It's just normal that Patrick finds it difficult to put his life on hold whenever we need him and that it's simply to qualify the car." Moreover, with budget cuts everywhere in NASCAR, even Baldwin has had, in recent weeks, difficulties in purchasing enough sets of tires needed for practice and qualifying.

09/10/09 Michael McDowell will drive the #36 Wave Energy Drink Toyota of Tommy Baldwin Racing beginning this weekend at Richmond International Raceway. Patrick Carpentier is no longer driving the #36 because of a business conflict in Canada. McDowell has been driving full-time in NASCAR Nationwide Series Toyota during the 2009 season and captured five top-10 finishes. TBR PR