Harvick's declarations won't affect Patrick Carpentier.

With less than two weeks before the presentation of the prestigious Daytona 500, Kevin Harvick stated that open wheel drivers like Jacques Villeneuve and Patrick Carpentier will have a tough time during the 2008 NASCAR season.

Harvick is probably right about Villeneuve who does not have an extensive experience and success in stock car racing in career. His dedication and time spent to racing lately has been splitted with his personal life as he now also takes care of his son. (Let's forget his musical performances on his late album, please!)

But as far as Patrick Carpentier is concerned, I think that he has a natural talent for oval track racing. Many of his victories in career came on oval circuits. Carpentier has a story of being very efficient to communicate with his engineers about the optimal limits of his car. If his car has some in the belly, he will be able to exploit it on occasions in 2008.

Kevin Harvick will find in Carpentier a very fast and intelligent driver once 2008 is over. Harvick should forget about Carpentier and mind his own business in a word.

I expect a respectable season for Patrick Carpentier at his first shot at NASCAR racing. He might open some eyes in a couple of races during this 2008 season. Every finishes inside the top 20 will count.

(Picture: Patrick Carpentier, Canadian Press.)