Talking the talk

Since arriving in The Hoosier State I've been having less time near a computer and more time reading newpapers and magazines. Print - what a concept! Anyhow, here are some of the more amusing quotes featuring tomorrow's participants.

"I don't think they carry much money on trains anymore. but I'd love to have the whole Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid thing going on. It would be a lot like racing, very team oriented."

- Jeff Simmons in IndyCar magazine, on how if he wasn't racing he cars he'd like to be robbing trains

"Well of course. Have you ever met the real Dan? Dan is one of the ones who has to get online with 'Joke of the Day' web sites every morning so he can find material."

- Scott Dixon in the Indy Star, on if he is funnier than fellow Target Twin Dan Wheldon

"I have no idea"

- Helio Castroneves in IndyCar magazine, in response to a question about the cost of milk

"Nice farmer's tan"

- Ed Carpenter in IndyStar, discussing teammate Tomas Scheckter's use of a portable hot tub at IMS

"I'd banish taxes. I'd hate taxes."

- Danica Patrick in IndyCar magazine, on what she would do if she were President of the United States

"I'd never say never, but I see the rules over there are going to change. You have some owners that are going to change over there, and that might present an opportunity."

- Chip Ganassi in USA Today, on the possibility of adding a Formula One team to his stable

"Obviously I watch ESPN, the NASCAR stuff, because Jamie Little is in it now - that would be a big draw for me."

- Dan Wheldon in IndyCar Magazine, discussing his favorite TV show