TRACK: 65,000 fans stayed around all day Saturday to watch rain fall and get soaked. Japan is one of the rare places you can find that kind of enthusiasm.

RACE: Let's just say, it's a good thing there aren't that many superspeedway races on the schedule.

ANDRETTI: Rather be lucky than good.

MONTOYA: Talk about a stupid way to lose the race. Now we see if Juan can embarrass the IRL.

FRANCHITTI: Just when we were ready to write him off. Welcome back to the podium, Dario.

da MATTA: Who knows, maybe it will be Cristiano who gives Toyota their first win. Why not?

TOYOTA: Speaking of Toyota's first win, would someone please get it for them. It's getting tiring constantly listening to "is Toyota going to get their first win?" Just get it over with.

BRACK: No surprise he's been fast this year. Now he has to find a way to keep from fading in the race.

TRACY: One of only two (Moreno is the other) drivers to complete every lap this year. Honest.

GIDLEY: An electrical problem again. Was Memo a Lucas engineer in a previous life?

VASSER: Is there some new rule that both Team Ganassi cars cannot finish a race this year?

PACWEST: 1997 looks more and more like an aberration.

BLUNDELL: Let's see a show of hands. How many of you think that Mark won't be back next year?

SERVIA: Even Shigeaki Hattori was able to complete at least one lap in two straight oval races.

ABC: No, this is not about the race coverage, which is always second rate when it is an overseas race. Rather, we are actually going to praise ABC. Specifically, their studio roundup spots which finally are only about racing and especially the segment discussing the Indy Lights series. Helping to educate the fans about the up and coming drivers is extremely important.

QUOTE OF THE WEEKEND: Dario Franchitti on being back on the podium, "I forgot what the press room looked like."

QUOTE OF THE WEEKEND RUNNERUP: Max Papis being extremely blunt after his qualifying run, "It was terrible. We sucked."

SCHEDULE: It won't snow at Nazareth this time. Maybe. We're pretty sure...

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