"This is absolutely perfect timing for this to happen. The U.S. Army is in the middle of a lot of stuff all around the world and they need a lift like this. I will admit that I get a ton of satisfaction when I hear something we did might have brightened some soldiers' day. Even if it only made them smile for a minute." -- Schumacher after winning the race and clinching the 2004 championship at Reading

"We win the championship and we tie the record for wins in a season; it's awesome. I've been joking all weekend that if I pull this off I might as well retire because it won't ever get any better. I mean, how do you top this?" -- Schumacher again, referring to his 9th event win this year

FUNNY CAR

"You have to race scared, like you're 200 (points) behind instead of 200 ahead. If you don't, these guys will send you home. I won't relax until we're at the (awards) banquet." -- John Force on the points chase he leads by a handy margin

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"The Maple Grove track gives the drivers a handful because the groove is narrower than most tracks. Also, the track temperature will be cold, which makes it hard to get a good clutch setup on the race car, so it also will be tricky for the crew chiefs. As a driver or tuner, you better be on your game this weekend." -- Ron Capps on the challenges the Reading race provides