Canada's Most Exciting Open-Wheel Motorsport Events Start July 11th Weekend

Bruno Junqueira is in the Lead, But Nice-Guy Canadian Patrick Carpentier is a Close Second

Nobody with any sense would want to have Champ car Champion Paul Tracy breathing down their backside, but that presumes

Canadian driver Patrick Carpentier has become known as the Champ car series "nice guy". (Photo: Flagworld)

that those driving cars that weigh less than a Toyota Echo Hatchback, powered by near-800 horsepower turbocharged engines at speeds nearing 200 mph, have any sense.

But if you met Canadian driver Patrick Carpentier, you wouldn't think he lacked any common sense. Fact is, the amiable Francophone is the series "nice guy." He's so well liked by his rivals that some, near the back of the grid, have been to cheer for him if he's in the lead. Equally unorthodox, the

Carpentier wasn't even sure if he had a Champ car ride when the series season started. (Photo: Luke Wormald, CARTpentier.com)

jaded motorsport press has been known to bias reports in favor of the always-smiling Forsythe racer.

And the irony of the current season, is Carpentier wasn't even sure if he had a ride when it started. Fortunately for him, and his fans, Gerald Forsythe, the owner of the baby blue and white team (ex-Players cigarette colors), put a third car on the track (Tracy and Mexican Rodolfo Lavin driving the other two) and in effect gave Carpentier the green light to go racing.

Forsythe is obviously smiling now, but not at his star incumbent champion who for the time being sits in a still dangerous 4th place with 79 points, 20 behind Carpentier who sits in 2nd with 99 points. Six points ahead is front-running Brazilian Bruno Junqueira.