The third IRL IndyCar Series event at the two-mile Michigan International Speedway promises to provide more of the spectacular side-by-side action seen in the previous two visits, as the drivers explain.
ALEX BARRON (No. 51 Red Bull Cheever Racing Dallara-Chevrolet) – 2003 Michigan winner:
"I have some great memories from last season there. The win created a lot of publicity, and I think it has had a big influence on where I'm at in the 2004 season. We had a great test there, and it will be good to go back there with a lot of confidence."
TOWNSEND BELL (No. 2 Menards/Johns Manville Racing
Dallara-Chevrolet):
"I was in Michigan once before, back in 2000 while I was racing in Indy Lights. It's a nice track. It reminds me a lot of Fontana. We had a good Chevrolet test up there a few weeks ago, and I'm interested to see where we match up with the other teams, especially in qualifying trim. We're looking to bring home another good finish for the Panther guys."
ED CARPENTER (No. 52 Red Bull Cheever Racing Dallara-Chevrolet):
"I am really looking forward to getting back up to Michigan. We tested up there, and I felt very comfortable on the track. It is going to be a big race for Chevy, since Detroit is so close. I'm looking forward to a good run on race day."
HELIO CASTRONEVES (No. 3 Marlboro Team Penske Dallara-Toyota):
"Going from last weekend's race in Milwaukee to this weekend's race at Michigan will be a big change. Milwaukee is a 1-mile oval, with very little banking compared to Michigan, which is a 2-mile Superspeedway. It should be quite a good show for the fans because we will be running flat out, and there will be multiple grooves, which should allow for plenty of passing and possibly three-wide racing. The key will be to stay in the lead pack and work the draft. We lost a little ground in the championship points chase in Milwaukee, so I hope Marlboro Team Penske leaves Michigan with a strong finish."
SCOTT DIXON (No. 1 Target Chip Ganassi Racing G Force-Toyota):
"Michigan hasn't been a place where I have had much luck, but we're looking to change that. It's the kind of race where it doesn't really matter where you start, and anything can happen. The key will be to stay in the draft and with the leaders. I'm really happy to know that I'll be able to get behind the wheel this coming weekend in Michigan since both the ankle and the thumb are feeling much better. I'll be fitted for a brace for my thumb in the next few days, simply to make it more comfortable to drive, but I'm sure it'll be fine by race day.
“This past weekend was very disappointing for all of us at Target Chip Ganassi Racing. However, while it has been a rough season to date, it is a credit to this Target team to see how hard the crew has been working to get the cars ready to race. Not just this past weekend, but every single time out there. I just want to get back to racing as soon as possible and get back on top where we should be."
ADRIAN FERNANDEZ (No. 5 Super Aguri Fernandez Racing Quaker State Telmex Tecate G Force-Honda):
"I haven't raced at Michigan for a couple of years, and I am looking forward to this weekend. We should be strong there. I have had some good results on Superspeedway circuits in the past, and this is a track that we know. We are still struggling a bit with our setup for the short ovals, but I feel we should be strong out of the box here."
A.J. FOYT (No. 14 Conseco/A.J. Foyt Racing Dallara-Toyota):
"I'm looking forward to going back to Michigan. We were running pretty well there last year until we had gearbox trouble. The horsepower disadvantage we have now will hurt us in qualifying and a little bit in the race but I think the drafting that we can do there will help offset that. I'm expecting to do well in the Conseco car."
DARIO FRANCHITTI (No. 27 Andretti-Green Racing ArcaEx Dallara-Honda):
