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VANCOUVER, Canada (December 14, 2003) -- Patrick Carpentier is fast. How fast? Well, he beat a Canadian Forces F-18 in 2000! And did you know long before he was fast in a car, Patrick was a champion speed skater? He’s one of the “elder statesmen” in the CART series. He’s also a product of the CART ladder system. He was the Toyota Atlantic champion in 1996 with a record shattering 9 victories in 12 starts. Then he joined up CART at Bettenhausen Motorsports as rookie of the year in 1997, and in 1998 joined Greg Moore at Players/Forsythe, which he has called home ever since. Patrick has won races, and supported his team mate in the quest for the championship in 2003. But 5^th was where he ended up this time. He’s looking for the Brass Ring in 2004; and if humour, personality and his uncanny ability roll with whatever gets thrown at him (or in his case, whatever he runs into!) it will be Mr. Carpentier’s turn at the Cup for 2004. Patrick broke with our tradition of never talking about anything but Rush, and spoke to RFM about 2003 and his hopes for 2004.

Margot Orenchuk: Describe “the bump” in Miami this year. How much of a toll physically did that race take on you?

Patrick Carpentier: That was the toughest physical race I think I have ever done because of the heat and humidity combined with the short track, the bumpiness of the surface and the constant tight turns. It took quite a lot out of me but I know that my physical fitness helped me get through it a bit easier than it could have.

MO: What was THE single biggest change you had to make in your driving style to adjust to the Lola chassis last this year?

PC: The Lola is a very nervous chassis so I had to learn to be very smooth in my movement. In the beginning I think it slowed me quite a bit but I eventually learned how to baby the car a little more. This year I think I’ll have a much easier time with it.

MO: Do you ever lose it in the car in French? And do your crew understand you?

PC: It happens. When they hear the French words flying, they know I am not happy about something. They don’t have to actually understand the words.

MO: What is the worst thing that can happen to you to destroy your focus during a race?

PC: I’ve had pretty much everything happen to me during a race that could but it never really affects my focus. I’ve lost my glasses in the cockpit (Japan 2000). I’ve had to pee so bad I was practically dancing in the car (Australia 2002). Most often it is problems with the handling of the car, extreme temperatures or fatigue that can disrupt your focus. To be honest, there isn’t anything that should destroy my focus. It’s part of the mental training I have worked on for years. It’s what a driver has to do to win. The better you are at maintaining your focus, the better you become as a driver, and the more races you will win.

MO: What is you favorite off-track activity?

PC: I love just hanging out in my backyard music studio. I get on the drums and get in a bit of practice. Sometimes I have friends over and we go in there for an evening of karaoke. It’s always good for some laughs.

MO: Do you still do speed skating?

PC: I bought new skates a while back and I went out a few times in the off-season last year. It’s good for training and it’s a lot of fun too. This year I haven’t had the chance to get out there yet.

MO: What is the one question you never get asked by the media that you would like to be?

PC: How would you like to do the next interview on a beach, under the sun with a couple of cold beers?

MO: What type of personal toll does being in this series take? Do you think having a family makes your job more difficult, or is it a support?

PC: It’s definitely a support. My family comes to the races from time to time but they all understand that this is what I do. It makes my “off” time with them that much more valuable. I really do cherish the time I get to spend with them. Besides, no matter how good a driver you are, how many races you’ve won, how many fans you have, it’s very hard for it to go to your head when you are on your hands and knees picking up all your daughter toys strewn all over the living room floor.

MO: What is the one question you can’t stand being asked by the media?

PC: I hate to be asked questions about the future; the future of CART, the goals for the next season, my next contract, what I’ll be doing in 5-10-15-20 years from now. The answer is and always will be; “I don’t know.” I’m a racecar driver. Not a fortune teller. I live for the now and one race at the time. Remember what Steve McQueen’s character says in the movie Le Mans: “Racing's important to men who do it well. When you're racing, it's life. Anything that happens before or after is just waiting.”

MO: Who is your racing hero?

PC : Gilles Villeneuve and Ayrton Senna.

MO: What has been the oddest thought you have had while driving?

PC: “If I pee in the car, will my pit crew really pee in my helmet?” (Australia 2002-I radioed to my crew that I might have to pee in the car because with all the rain and the length of the race, I didn’t think I was going to make it to the finish line. My crew warned me if I peed in the car, that they would return the favor by peeing in my helmet.)

MO: What was the high point of 2003 for you?

PC: My win at Laguna Seca. It was also the first time the team had two drivers on the podium.

MO: Most anxious moment of 2003?

PC: Hearing the words “drivers in your cars” while in the public restroom. (which has happened a few times in my career)

MO: Was it easier to concentrate on racing in 2003 without the negative PR drag of teams planning to desert to another series?

PC: I don’t pay very much attention to negative or positive press. I do what I have to do and that is to drive the car to the best of my ability. There are always going to be changes. Change is good. It means that there will always be challenges. Racing would hardly be fun if it were always the same.

MO: As you look forward to 2004, what are your personal goals either on or off the track for next year?

PC: As always my goals are to be more consistent, win as many races as possible and win the championship.

MO: Why do you bother wearing a watch when you are always LATE?

PC: I have some really nice watches that look good on my wrist. I don’t really use them to tell time. I use them to tell me how late I actually am.

RFM Sports thanks Pat Caporali of Torchia Communications fot graciously donating her personal time to deliver this interview to us, and we wish her a happy holiday season!