Patrick Carpentier’s on-going efforts to carve out a career in NASCAR, after calling it quits on his open-wheel career, have taken a new turn. The French-Canadian CART series veteran, who has been out of a ride since being released by Gillett Evernham team (now renamed Richard Petty Motorsports) at the end of last season, but has signed with Michael Waltrip Racing to drive the team’s No. 99 Toyota in the NASCAR Nationwide Series race at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve on Aug. 30.

The No. 99 entry will be sponsored by NAPA Auto Parts, which will also be the title sponsor for the race. Carpentier has finished second in each of the two years the race has been held at the Montreal road course.

"By being the official race sponsor, it is clear to me that NAPA wishes more than anything the success of this important event for the city of Montreal,” Carpentier said. “It is an honor to partner with such a talented team like NAPA. My greatest desire is to give the spectators and viewers a great performance that meets their expectations.”