1996 Indianapolis 500 Post Qualifying Quotes

SCOTT BRAYTON (#32 Glidden Menards Special): (on the decision to withdraw the already qualified #2 car and attempt to qualify the #32 car): "I wanted to get out in another car, just to feel the differences. John said, I'm going to get the other car out.' I did about five laps and said, You have got to give me a chance to drive it.'" (on winning the pole that was held by his teammate earlier in the day): "Tony is a great talent and will have a lot more chances, but I'm old and don't know how much longer I can do this." (on the two competing races): "As I said before, I have a lot of respect for the drivers in Michigan. But nothing is more exciting than Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Pole Day. Just because they're in Michigan doesn't mean they're better than me. I beat them last year and wish they would have been here this year, because I would have liked to have beaten them again. The Indy 500 is what Indy car racing is. I used to listen to Sid Collins when I was four and wanted to come to this place. There are a lot of people that love this place, and you can't take this away from people." (on the team): "My guys do an incredible job setting up a car. These guys are so exact. To only have five laps in the car all month and put on the pole, I doubt that's ever been done before. That's what type of organization this is and that's why I'm here." (on the pressure he felt withdrawing a car in fifth place): "Failure is not a possibility for an Indy car driver -- you can't think that way. The last two laps, I was huntin' and lookin' for any speed because I figured I needed a 234. I tried to keep it as free as it could be. To put in on the field and be happy, but disappointed because you're not on the front row and then come back out a couple hours later and have all that change -- this is the most emotion I've ever been through." (about rookie drivers): "The rookies got dealt the most difficult set of circumstances any driver can be dealt -- with the rain and all the delays. A lot of the guys hadn't even driven their cars on their own very much, let alone with five or six cars in front of them. I was really impressed with them."

LARRY CURRY (Team Manager, #32 Glidden Menards Special): (on how they made the decision to withdraw the already-qualified #2 car and have Brayton attempt to qualify the #32 car): "We weren't elated with the speed of the car, obviously, because we knew that we were better than that. The interesting thing is that this is the same car that Arie qualified second quickest in here last year. It wasn't about bumping Arie off the pole. If we were going to go down, we were going to go down swinging." (on winning the pole): "It's a big credit to the team and to the patience of the drivers showed. Eddie and everybody else was out there cheering Scott on. It's great to be on a team that's really a team."

JOHN MENARD (Owner, #32 Gliddens Menards Special): (on whether or not he would have withdrawn the #2 car if Arie had not bumped Tony Stewart): "No, I didn't think we would do that. I don't think it would have been right to bump our own guy." (on what it means to have Tony Stewart on the team:) "We've got a lot younger girls hanging around the pits."

ARIE LUYENDYK (#35 Jonathan Byrd's Cafeteria/Bryant Heating & Cooling): "It's been an agonizing day. I had given up on the primary car (car he qualified) I'm a little surprised that I went quicker than Tony (Stewart), but I wasn't surprised that Scott was quicker. I went flat out, but I knew there was something missing. On the first lap I was getting the boost up to where it was supposed to be. The system took a while to wind itself up and it goes and goes and it takes a while to settle in. It would have been better to have 3 warm-up laps. The engine needs to build up temperature." (Arie on what happened to the #5 car): " I haven't heard exactly what happened. It probably had a vapor lock in the water system, but that's not enough to do the engine in." (on the day): "The drama was there for sure today and the crowd certainly got their money's worth. I've heard some things that Michael (Andretti) has said and they are out of line. I never saw more than 45 inches of boost and both cars are brand new. Everything on them is new so they're not old ---- boxes.' Michael should have known better than to say that. With the technical improvements and the track improvements, we're not running on the ragged edge." (on losing the pole to Brayton): "I'm not sure I lost the pole last year, but I know I lost it this year." This car knows how to win, though. Right now I'm pissed off, but on race day they better watch out becase I'll be pissed then too."

JONATHAN BYRD: (on Arie and Scott's performance): "To be on the front row -- what an honor. I'm very happy. Arie, with 2 laps of practice and to go out and do what he did...that one-lap track record will probably stand for a long time."

TONY STEWART (#20 Menards/Glidden/Quaker State/Special): (about speeds): "I don't feel like it's dangerous but then again I haven't hit the wall yet. You can get hurt in a passenger car just as easy." (about the pole): "I'd rather have run a 235. I'd much rather be on top and have them chasing me then having them on top and have me chase them." (about his run): "I held the throttle down for four laps." (about being here): "This has been the best two weeks of my life." (about his plans tonight to go to IRP): "If I weren't here, I'd be going to Raceway Park tonight and Terre Haute tomorrow. I still plan on going out to cheer on my friends. The hardest thing for me is for (Team Menard director of racing) Larry (Curry) to send someone with me to keep me from getting in a sprint car." (about the track): "It keeps getting better as we go. This place just keeps getting better. Larry told me to treat it like a practice session and go out and run four smooth laps. Larry has probably been the most instrumental part of the program. We jelled right away." (about the run): It's a big sigh of relief. I knew I got in the show." (about it holding up for the pole): "I hope so."The weather has slowed a lot of us down but we really didn't know what the car would do. I never dreamed this would happen. It's too good. I'm about to cry I'm so nervous. I'm not disappointed if I can stay on top." (about being called the "Rushville Rocket"): "I lived in Columbus until I was 21. Then I moved to Rushville. They've been very supportive of me. I wouldn't be surprised if all 2,600 people who live there aren't here today. My family has been here every day. This has been a totally different atmosphere." (about pressure): "The only pressure I feel is the pressure I put on myself. I don't want a false sense of security. I'm worried about Arie (taking the pole)." (about short tracks in the future): "I plan on building a sprint car when May is over to fill time...just don't tell Menard." (after learning that he didn't have the pole): "Going into qualifying this morning my realistic goal was to sit on the front row, so I'm not too disappointed, but after getting the pole, I was really disappointed when Arie knocked me off the pole, but when I saw how excited the team was when Scott went out there again, it was alright." (what Team Menard thought about pulling his car): "I don't think it would have been a logical reason for me. The team wanted to pull his (Brayton's) car really bad, but it wasn't logical to pull mine out because I was sitting on the pole, and about two minutes after Arie qualified, the team was prepared to go out there again with Scott."

DAVY JONES (#70 Delco Electronics High Tech Team Galles): "The car is really nice and stable.The last few days we've been very consistent, and it's gone flawlessly. We just worked the speed up in small increments. If we had a little more track time, we could've gone faster." (about holding the track record at one point): "It was nice to hold the record for awhile but we just needed a little more time. I was really surprised to know we were on the pole but I didn't get to enjoy it very long. I think anytime you qualify for this race it's really, truly, an achievement, it's something that's not easy to do, and it's not everybody who gets a chance to do it, or to do it well. For myself, to be qualified on the first day, is a relief, because now we can spend the next week preparing for the race, and the best possible race strategy and the best race car that we can."

ELISEO SALAZAR (#7 Cristal/Copec Mobil): "Three months ago, I was in intensive care and I tried to get out of bed and fainted. I just wanted to get back and race and to be here, and in the front row so far, it's like a dream. During the rehab, I had the motivation to get back here. I knew I could do it and I was crying after my lap in the car. To be here and in the front row is a dream come true." (about practice) "We needed one more day in testing to get the set-up right, and then the weather affected it, but we just wanted to go 232 and we did." (about the IRL): "I absolutely believe in what the IRL is doing. The controversy is a little childish. If those drivers were here, they'd be going quick. It's getting silly to have two races. I mean, this is the Indianapolis 500. It's like the Kentucky Derby. No one really cares what horses are there."

EDDIE CHEEVER (#3 Quaker State Menards Special): (about his run): "I didn't take my foot off the throttle for four laps. I took it flat out. The car ran well. I was flat all four laps. I was losing time coming out of (Turn) 3 where there was a big headwind." Scott is lucky to have a spare car and he's getting ready to take it out and qualify it. I wish I had one, but unfortunately I don't. I do feel that Scott or Arie will be on the pole by the end of the day. Now the real work will start for us...working with full tanks and concentrate on building a strategy for the race. I want to get this part over and done with. It's not fun work. It's mule work." (about advice to Stewart): "I gave him the same advice (A.J.) Foyt gave me...always turn left." (about rookies): "USAC will not let anybody on the track that they don't feel is competent. They're an extremely talented and well-prepared group of rookies. The process they use to test the rookies has been in effect and proven over 30 years. It's very safe."

BUDDY LAZIER (#91 Hemelgarn Racing-Delta Faucet): (about 95): "No question I had a lot of bad luck but we did make a pretty good effort here last year. I have a good car, team and a lot of preparation so hopefully the bad luck will be over." (about his run): "I'm disappointed with my run. The track has slowed down a ton. Within the last 25 minutes, it's changed drastically. This morning, it was much quicker. We were trying to conceal our speed so I ran with lift.' This four laps, I was flat-out with no lift.'" (about track conditions for Race Day): "It's the change in seasons so the temperatures are changing constantly. The temperatures come up and down, so it keeps changing the track conditions. It's going to separate the field a lot. This car shines when the weather gets hot, so Race Day, we're going to be tough." (about difference in Pole Day from 95 to 96): "All I can say is there are a lot of people here and a lot of people having fun." (about practicing next week while he's still recovering): "All season long, we've been trying to win this race. I don't want to go out just leading halfway through. I want to lead and win this race. I want to make a serious attempt to win so I need to spend this week preparing the car. When I'm in the car, I'm fine. It's just in the morning and evening that I have trouble (with his back.)"

ROBERTO GUERRERO (#21 WavePhore/Pennzoil Reynard-Ford): "It was an honor holding the record for four years but it's time I gave it up. This year, it was inevitable. Holding the record has been a weight. With the new rules, it'll be difficult to break the record again." (about his run). "It felt good. I didn't know how fast we'd go. I didn't go as fast as I'd like. We're happy we're in the field. We didn't know what to expect for the first time." (about the car): "It's handling very good. I look forward to the race." (About the pole): "I still think we have Arie Luyendyk to look out for. I think Arie will still break the record. I think track conditions have remained very much the same. " (about Stewart's run): "I think it's wonderful." (about the IRL): "I'm happy I'm here. I think there's a future with the new league. I think there's room for two series so let's quit bickering." (about the resurfacing of the track): "I think it's absolutely beautiful."

ALESSANDRO ZAMPEDRI (#8 Mi-Jack/AGIP/Dinema): "This run was a couple miles an hour slower than what I wanted, but I'm seeing everybody a little slower today. There was a lot of wind in turn two. It hit me at 45 degree angle and it felt like someone was pushing me down. Because of the stands on the front stretch, you can't feel it. It is much windier on the backstretch. We just didn't have enough time with all the rain. We are a little behind schedule."

MICHEL JOURDAIN, Jr. (#22 Herdez Quaker State Canels): "I'm very happy. It's a dream come true. Now we have to work on the car for the race. The whole team did a great job. I hope we can be better in the race. I wanted to have a safe car for qualifying. I got some good advice from my uncle (Bernard Jourdain, 1989 co-Rookie of the Year)."

BUZZ CALKINS (#12 Bradley Food Marts/Reynard): "I don't think we're ecstatic but we'll take it. We're in the show. It's one load off my mind and I can start to concentrate on the race. We lost a lot of time and I don't know why. There was wind in turns three and four. I turned on the boost, and I don't know if that affected my speed. Otherwise, I felt great and the car handled great." (about being in the Indianapolis 500): "It feels great. Obviously this is a dream come true even though we didn't qualify as quickly as we liked. But we did all right. There's no place I'd rather be. We're in the race, and we'll stick with it." (about Stewart being on the pole): "I'm really happy for Tony. He's done a great job so far this month and more power to him...except during the race."

DAVEY HAMILTON (#14 AJ Foyt Copenhagen Racing): "We wanted to run over 230, but we didn't quite make it. That's all right, because we have a good race set up." (on making the field): "After last year, there was a lot of pressure on me. It has been a dream of mine to get in the race, and getting in is a load off my shoulders."

MIKE GROFF (#60 Valvoline Cummins Craftsman Special): (about car owner Derrick Walker): "Derrick will be here for the beginning of the race. We haven't suffered from him not being here. Do I think his not being here is hurting us? No. The team is very competent. Derrick is calling in every hour or so and we've only been able to give him a lot of bad weather reports." (about experience of the field): "I'd have to say the IRL has created a great opportunity for a lot of guys who would never have had a chance in the past. I guess the bottom line is, that as a driver, you want to line yourself up with the best opportunity and team and I've been very fortunate with Derrick Walker."

MICHELE ALBORETO (#33 Alta Spring Water/Perry Ellis/Royal Purple): "We had some problems on the first run because the boost was not good. We wanted to qualify the car today and we are in the top 15, so that is what's important. When I ran a few laps this morning, I had a lot of expectations but the popoff valve started to open up, but we decided to qualify anyway." (Indy compared to F-1): "F-1 is much quicker in the corners because the car is light. But the cars here are made to keep a high average speed for a long time. I don't think F-1 cars could keep the speed here for more than 100 miles. The car would fall apart."

STEPHAN GREGOIRE (#9 Hemelgarn Racing): "I'm quite happy because yesterday, we did 222 and this morning, we came back and fixed the setup. I just did one and one-half days of practice in this car, and I feel it wasn't really enough, but I am happy to be in the field. We practiced this morning but not a lot because there was a lot of traffic. It was difficult to get the right information back to the engineer. Today, there was a lot of wind in Turn 2. The car was pushing and we didn't anticipate this problem, but I am very happy to be in the race."

MARK DISMORE (#30 Quaker State Menards Special): (about the run): "I kept seeing 227, 227, 227 and I wished it was 231. This requires 1,000 percent concentration. Everybody would like to be on the pole. Fortunately for me, it's my teammate." (about his accident): "Now, I finally get a shot. I'm feeling sincerity from the bottom of my heart. It's been bottled up for a long time. Ever since I was a little kid, I wanted to be here. If I hadn't gotten this opportunity I'd feel like an incomplete person. This whole week has been a dream." (about retiring): "Maybe 20 minutes, I had a mental lapse. You shouldn't let fear stand in your way." (since the accident here): "I've run six Atlantic races and won four. I wish my Indy car record was like that. I race go-karts to stay in shape. I take my kid out and he really makes me feel my age." (about the Speedway): "It's just a magical place."

RICHIE HEARN (#4 Della Penna Motorsports Ralph's Food 4 Less Fuji Film): "I am excited to be in the race, but am disappointed about not going as fast as I wanted. It looks like we'll have to start in the middle of the pack, which is disappointing. But qualifying is one thing, and the race is another. It is quite a thrill just to be a part of it for the first time." (about being a rookie on pole day): "This morning was just like another practice session, but every stage you move in the qualifying line, you get more nervous. By the time they opened the gate, I was really nervous, but really excited. My heart was probably going 120."

JOHNNY UNSER (#64 Ruger-Titanium/Project Indy/Reynard): (about his family): "Me being the only Unser here I thought would never happen. Al Sr. and Al Jr. have been with me since Day 1. We came here and woke Uncle Al up. They told me what to expect, where to be and when to be there. They're able to understand the inside of me. They've been a tremendous help. Al Sr. has been a great help to me. He's been here through it all." (about the IRL): "We were real close to being here last year. Actually, before the controversy, I was determined to be here anyway. My sponsors made it possible. This is the 500'. This is the greatest race in the world. Being able to come here is very special. You'll find all the drivers back here competing in this race someday. (about the scene): "I was actually thinking about my car and what could be done better. We had a good solid car. I'm so happy to be in the show. All four laps were smooth. I felt it out a little bit. I had a little too much wing. I'm pleased with it for the time we've had." (about his age...37): "I'm not as old as my uncles....I haven't given up yet."

JOHN PAUL JR. (#18 V-Line Earl's Supply): "This morning, we went 227 in practice, but then in qualifying we blew the (popoff) valve and had to reset it. We went conservative with the boost this time. I am happy to be in the first day, I just would have liked to have done it the first time (in the original qualifying order)." (on the IRL): "I am thrilled to be a part of this new generation coming along. Standing around for a whole week last year was very depressing. I wasn't sure if I'd get to be around again. Thanks to Tony George and the IRL, I've got a shot." (about the popoff valve): "Since 1983, this has been an ongoing love-hate relationship for me. At the end of this year, I will be the first one in line to throw them in the dumpster."

LYN ST. JAMES (#45 Spirit of San Antonio): (about the race): "There's not going to be an eight mile-per-hour differential in the race. There's not going to be anybody turning 230s in the race. For the sake of conversation, I'd say there'd be some 217s. That would be the reality. I don't see the speed disparity being that great during the race." (about safety): "I feel we're looking at the fastest speeds we've ever driven on this track. It's a different surface and tire composition and structure. We're not running on the ragged edge or risking anything. It's the driver and equipment that are making the speeds. Safety's not a problem."

JIM GUTHRIE (#27 Team Blueprint Racing Inc.): "I've run less than 150 laps all month long and the fastest laps of those 150 were during qualifying. I can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Because of Tony George and the IRL, guys like me have a chance to run here. It's awesome. It's really cool." (comparing the Atlantic series to the Indianapolis cars): "Indianapolis is the world's greatest race and now I know why. From Formula Atlantic to Indy is not that big of a jump. Bobby Rahal started out in Formula Atlantic. They're a lot alike. There's really not that much of a difference." (about Team Blueprint): "Team Blueprint is kind of a band of renegades. We've got a lot of people who've volunteered, worked long hard hours without pay. When we qualified today, it was like a dream come true for them as well as me. We're all so excited and happy to be here at the Indy 500 and they're up there (Michigan) wishing they were here."