I was never happier to see a season end than I was last year. I was really frustrated by the tough run of luck we had last season, but a few months away from the daily grind, and I am ready to go. I feel like we can return to the form that made us a championship contender in 2004.

Nobody in the paddock was happier to see last season end than I. I worked hard this off season and I am really looking forward to 2006. I am optimistic that this is going to be a big year for us. There is a lot of similarity between this year and 2004 in that a lot of people are overlooking us heading into the season. I think we will surprise a few of the so called experts.

Obviously I've been frustrated most of the year. I want to continue to try to do what I have to do to make this team win. They're going to need goals from me. I have to contribute. I have to get better.

Mile tracks put more emphasis on the driver. On the longer tracks, you can drive flat out all the way around, so it's more of an engineering exercise. On a mile, you can't run flat out. You're constantly in traffic, there's more driver involvement.

It's great to finally have a full-blown solid weekend. Pit strategy was the main thing, just like everybody anticipated.

It's been a long time coming, but now we have a fine facility for first responders.