Race No. 9

Budweiser/G.I. Joe's 200
Portland — Oregon
June 20 — June 22, 1997

	Kmart/Budweiser Swift Ford Newman/Haas Racing
CHRISTIAN FITTIPALDI
"I feel okay. So far, there's no problem. It's business as usual -almost. [On the possibility of rain.] It could be better for meif it rained. I like to drive in the rain, especially if I'mahead. It would be a little less physically demanding althoughit wouldn't change things too much. Physically this track isdemanding but where I tested [in Mid-Ohio] was tougher because ofthe bumps. It was encouraging to have Mid-Ohio be such asuccess. There's no doubt it's good to be back. I missedcompeting. I really like the track here. It's a lot harderreturning on a road course but as a driver, you have to takewhat comes next. There's a little more room in the foot area ofmy car. The brake pedal is smaller and a little to the leftsince I had to learn how to brake with my left foot. The braceon my leg is to help prevent it from breaking in the same areaagain if I crash. I'll have to wear it for the rest of theseason. Better safe than sorry. We'll keep on improving the carbefore qualifying. Qualifying today is very important becauseit might rain tomorrow. Today might be the only chance to get agood starting spot."

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	Pennzoil Special Reynard Ford Davis/Craig Racing
GUALTER SALLES
"We didn't get torun much this morning because of an electrical short in thewiring harness. The cockpit began filling up with smoke and thedashboard blacked out, so I brought the car in. The DavisRacing crew did a good job to get the wiring fixed so we couldget back on the track before the session ended."

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	Valvoline/Cummins/Craftsman Special Reynard Ford
GIL de FERRAN
"The car was reasonably balanced this session, and we were ableto turn some fast laps right out of the box, so I'm happy withthat. It's always easier to start this way and then build andimprove from that point throughout the weekend. I think thatthis session raises expectations for our success this weekend."