Road America Quoteboard I.

"I couldn't be happier with the way things have gone lately. Team Player's has done a fantastic job at every level of the operation and the Reynard-Ford Cosworth package has been flawless. The work that Ford was able to do during the manufacturers' testing session a couple of weeks ago is really paying off because the traction control system has been problem-free.

"I know this four-race stretch is hectic, but when you have things going as well as they have for us lately, you can't wait to get to the race track. I'm confident, relaxed and just letting it all hang out." - Patrick Carpentier

CRISTIANO DA MATTA (#6 Havoline Toyota/Lola/Bridgestone): "Road America is a long track. It's just like the old style road course, which is very interesting to drive. It still has many, many fast corners.

"You know, you go to those more modern road courses and the turns are slower, usually because of safety. Road America still has the fourth gear, fifth gear corners, and you know everybody likes that as well as the elevation changes. Whatever (kind of car) a driver takes there, they always like it because it has all types of corners. So there will always be some part of the turn that a driver will enjoy.

"For me, I enjoy it all. I think you have seen in the past, more drivers that weren't so good win races on the ovals and maybe super speedways, but if the driver wins a race in Elkhart Lake or Mid Ohio you can know for sure he's good."

PATRICK CARPENTIER (#32 Player's/Indeck Ford-Cosworth/Reynard/Bridgestone): "I couldn't be happier with the way things have gone lately. Team Player's has done a fantastic job at every level of the operation and the Reynard-Ford Cosworth package has been flawless. The work that Ford was able to do during the manufacturers' testing session a couple of weeks ago is really paying off because the traction control system has been problem-free.

"I know this four-race stretch is hectic, but when you have things going as well as they have for us lately, you can't wait to get to the race track. I'm confident, relaxed and just letting it all hang out.

"One thing I can say about Road America is that I've had almost everything happen to me in the five years I've raced there in the CART series. A few years ago, I ended up in the gravel pit off turn 1 and went into a roll that made all the highlights on the sports broadcasts. Another year, the brake pedal broke, and last year we had the bizarre situation with the water on the track that red-flagged the race in the 14th lap. At least I was finally able to put in my first finish at Road America, although ninth place isn't exactly what I'm looking for."

BRUNO JUNQUEIRA (#4 Target Toyota/Lola/Bridgestone): "Last year, even before I raced at Road America, I told everyone that it was my favourite track on the circuit. To win my first race there last year was incredible! I've been looking forward to coming back here for a year now and I'm ready to defend my title. We had a solid fourth place finish last week in Mid-Ohio and that gives myself and Team Target a lot of confidence going into this weekend's race. I'm going up there with the intention of winning the pole and winning the race, so we'll see what happens."

DARIO FRANCHITTI (#27 KOOL/Honda/Lola/Bridgestone): "Road America is a fantastic track, one of the best on the schedule. It is a test of skill that reminds me of courses in Europe and I really enjoy driving here. The event has great atmosphere. This race is a bit more special to me because I got my first CART win here in 1998, so I have some very good memories. It would be fantastic to get another win this weekend to add to that one, and also to make up some ground in the points. Team KOOL Green has our work cut out for us if we want to stay in the championship hunt, we need to score points every weekend."

MICHEL JOURDAIN JR. (#9 Gigante Ford-Cosworth/Lola/Bridgestone): "I am really looking forward to this weekend of racing at Elkhart Lake. It has always been one of my favourite tracks and I have had some success there in the past. It is a beautiful place, a beautiful track and the fans are great. Last year in the race we ran pretty good and I am really looking forward to the weekend. I think we can be very strong at Road America. I know we had some problems at Mid-Ohio but the team is working very hard to put those behind us and make it better."