Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Finally,A New Team For Labonte

After leaving Petty Enterprises in December, fans of driver Bobby Labonte had been wondering where the 2000 NASCAR Cup champion would drive next. The most prominent rumor was that Labonte would be driving the #41 at Earnhardt/Ganassi Racing,then as recently as Monday, rumors had Labonte driving the #8 EGR ride. Then late Tuesday in a sudden and surprising turn of events,came the annoucement that Labonte will drive the #96 Ford for Hall Of Fame Racing. HOF recently merged with Robert Yates Racing. HOF will have the benefit of the engine-building program shared by RYR and Roush Fenway Racing. Ask.com has reportedly been named the sponsor of the #96 car.

With the 51st running of the Daytona 500 on February 15th approaching, fans were becoming concerned about whether Labonte would have a Cup ride this season. Fortunately,the waiting is over. Bobby Labonte is not the first person in his family to drive the #96. Bobby's brother Terry Labonte,the 1984 and 1996 Cup champion, drove the car (though it was then a Chevrolet) for a few races in the 2006 or 2007 season if memory serves.

I am so happy not only as a Bobby Labonte fan but also for Bobby Labonte himself. I wish Bobby well in the #96. Bring on the 2009 season. Go Bobby!!!!

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