Danica Patrick: “The field is going to really be competitive”
Mar 25, 2008
Indycar
Danica Patrick, #7 Motorola Dallara/Honda/Firestone
“I am really excited for the season to start and even more excited to race at Homestead, especially after how well we tested back in February. As a driver both on and off the track, I am more comfortable and more confident. I think that with the unification the field is going to really be competitive which is going to elevate open-wheel racing. I am ready to do this.”
Tony Kanaan, #11 Team 7-Eleven Dallara/Honda/Firestone
“For some reason, we’ve never been able to get the car quite right at Homestead. We were quick last year and I think we made some progress, so we definitely have something to build on. I really enjoyed racing at night last year. I think it was a great idea to change the race to a night race. It certainly makes the car setup even more important. With more cars and more drivers, I think this will be the best Homestead race yet and I think the Team 7-Eleven car will be challenging for the win.”
Marco Andretti, #26 NYSE Dallara/Honda/Firestone
“We’ve had a couple of tough races at Homestead in the past. Last year we thought we had it figured out and we did a great job in qualifying. I think that will help us and will certainly give the NYSE team some confidence as we head into the race weekend. I think it’s really important for us to have a good finish at Homestead. If we can put together two great results in Florida (Homestead-Miami and St. Petersburg), I think we’ll be in great shape for the season.”
Hideki Mutoh, #27 Formula Dream Dallara/Honda/Firestone
“First of all, I am very excited to start the season as a full-time IndyCar Series driver. My goal for this year is to finish each race and to learn as much as possible at each running. If I were lucky enough to have a chance to really battle with other drivers then I would like to show my best performances. The test in Homestead went well and I am very comfortable with the team, so if I don’t make any mistakes in the race I should be able to have a strong finish. I am looking forward to starting the season with Andretti Green Racing at Homestead Miami Speedway.”
Raphael Matos, #27 AFS/AGR Dallara/Firestone
“I’m really excited about the start of the season. When we tested at Homestead, the AFS Racing car was very quick. All the guys at the shop have worked very hard at getting prepared for the season and we’re all ready to get started. If we can get a strong finish at Homestead in addition to great results in the two St. Pete races, we’ll be in great shape for the championship.”
Arie Luyendyk Jr., #26 AGR/AFS Dallara/Firestone
“Our program with the AGR/AFS car has come together pretty quickly, but I’m confident that we’ll be ready this weekend. I’ve had some top-five finishes at Homestead in the past and it’s a track that I’m pretty familiar with so I think we’ll be fairly quick right off the truck. I’m excited to be driving with Rafa (Matos) and I think he and I both have a very good shot at winning the championship for AFS and AGR.”
