Homestead: Patrick Carpentier preview

PATRICK CARPENTIER QUOTES: "I learned a lot in a short period of time last weekend at Phoenix and got some great advice from Jimmy Kitchens (spotter) and Kenny Schrader. This weekend at Homestead will be a learning experience all over again, I ...

PATRICK CARPENTIER QUOTES:

"I learned a lot in a short period of time last weekend at Phoenix and got some great advice from Jimmy Kitchens (spotter) and Kenny Schrader. This weekend at Homestead will be a learning experience all over again, I have never driven the Charger on an oval other than at a testsession in Kentucky this week. It's very challenging, you have to be so smooth and be careful on how much you abuse your tires. So far this transition has been a lot of fun. The guys on the team are great to work with and we are just trying to take things one step at a time."

QUICK FACTS:

* This weekend will be Carpentier's second attempt at a NASCAR oval start, and the first attempt in a Dodge Charger in the Nextel Cup Series.

* Carpentier made his first NASCAR oval start in an Avenger car last weekend at Phoenix. He qualified 24th and finished 33rd.

* Carpentier will be pulling double duty this weekend as he will compete in both the Cup and Busch Series races at Homestead.

* The No. 10 team remains 37th in owner points and will have to qualify for the race on speed.

* Carpentier's first Cup start for Gillett Evernham Motorsports came at Watkins Glen this summer where he finished 22nd and led seven laps (the first laps led for the No. 10 this season).