9 Quotes by Jeff Simmons

I was still at the track here on Friday night when I got a cell phone call from the team. I would be honored to race for Rahal-Letterman and represent Ethanol in the program that meant so much to Paul Dana. We haven't discussed a contract or anything, and I don't know if they are looking at other people.

I believe the best way for me to honor him is to do everything I can to carry on the cause in which Paul believed so deeply.

Paul worked so hard for this (Ethanol), and it isn't just a product, it's a cause. I think I can continue that message, and it's not lost on me how this opportunity came about.

We all know the business. I've certainly thought a lot about if I do get the ride, how it came about. This isn't the way I would want to get a ride. Paul Dana and I both came up through the ranks and had the same dream. It wouldn't be lost on me if I got an opportunity with something he started and built up.

They expect me to contribute to the team. They expect me to be competitive. Obviously we missed the first two races of the season, but we want to go try to win rookie of the year.

They asked for my contact info and were going to talk to the Ethanol people at that point. Bobby has gone over to China with his son, Graham. I've talked to some people at the team since then.

I know this is a fantastic opportunity with a great team.

I just lost it. I was out on new tires and I probably made the mistake. You don't think you're going to do anything wrong until it all goes wrong.

Certainly, this is a difficult circumstance and not how I'd like this opportunity to come about. I wouldn't say we were close friends or anything like that, but it has had a deep and profound impact on me the way this has come about, and I want people to know that.