Quotes from Johnny and James

JOHNNY BENSON (driver of the NASCAR Valvoline Pontiac, recovering from a
concussion and rib injuries two weeks ago at Richmond):

"One of the highlights of my career was last October in Charlotte. We were sitting on the grid getting ready to start the race and there was a delay. I asked some of our guys what was going on and they told me the war (in Afghanistan) had started. Man, you talk about changing your perspective about a lot of things. I mean here we are before a race, getting ready to do what we do for a living and for fun, then all of a sudden you get hit with that type of reality. I remember thinking then, as I do now, that those people in the service all over the world are there to keep us free and allow us to do what we want to do in life. I can't think of a better thing to do in life than that.

"I think every major race series in the world has a big race during the (Memorial Day) weekend and there is nothing wrong with that, but I hope everyone will remember that there have been a heck of a lot of people who died fighting for our freedom. There's no way you can really repay their sacrifice except to remember and appreciate what they have done for all of us. By racing and remembering we are honoring them."

JAMES INCE (crew chief on the Valvoline Pontiac):

"This (racing) is all fun and games. I mean, we pay our bills racing, but what the people in the Armed Services have done for us in the last year and the last 200 years is something few of us can even begin to appreciate. It's hard to believe guys my age and younger are willing to make that kind of sacrifice. But I'm glad they are and support them 100 percent.

"I think those moments before the race starts, when we honor our military with the planes flying over, is the most spine-tingling moment of the whole weekend. I know a bunch of those people in the military will be listening or watching our race this weekend and I hope they understand how much we appreciate what they are doing for us."