Labonte nearing a decision on his future in NASCAR

By Bob Pockrass - Associate Editor
Friday, May 16, 2008
$content.photo.alt

Jason Smith
Getty Images for NASCAR

CHARLOTTE – Bobby Labonte said he is no longer agonizing over whether he will stay at Petty Enterprises or drive for someone else next season.

Labonte, speaking prior to the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Pit Crew Challenge, said he is likely within two or three weeks of having final answers concerning his driving career beyond this season.

“We’re trying to get things squared away at Pettys, like I’ve always said,” Labonte said. “But obviously we have to get that done. In a couple of weeks, three weeks maybe, we’ll have a lot more answers. …  Right now, I’m pretty much at ease.

"… It’s just a matter of things happening that’s going to take place, whether you like it or not. I’m about to the point if it happens, it happens and if it doesn’t, you do something different. I’m not worried about that as much as the talk about it from the outside trying to make sure that the guys that come to work, that they don’t read the paper and say, ‘What’s going to happen?’ ”

Labonte’s sponsor, General Mills, is heading to Richard Childress Racing next year, and it has been speculated that Labonte would join the company. But Petty Enterprises officials have said they’re confident Labonte would return and Labonte has said nothing to indicate he is leaving.
   
“Nothing is done yet – nothing that can be [said] because of the implications [on] people,” Labonte said. “We can’t implicate people that are doing things that will [mess] them up and our own position. I have nothing to report yet. Hopefully in the next few weeks, it will be a lot more well known.

“But right now, we’re trying to make sure we’re doing the right thing at the No. 43 car.”
    
Petty Enterprises has been entertaining offers from investors. Labonte, the 2000 Sprint Cup champion, said it’s his understanding those talks are continuing.
    
“We’re just making sure it’s going to work for everybody – there’s no reason for me or them to say anything so we don’t leave any mud on anybody’s face,” Labonte said. “If one thing happens or one thing doesn’t happen, there’s no sense in saying one [way] or another.”

While he doesn’t seem nervous about what will happen, Labonte is concerned about how the uncertainty is affecting his team.

“It’s just part of the business, and it’s part of the business you wish you didn’t have to worry about,” Labonte said. “We’re trying to make sure that we keep the focus on the team to compete week-in and week-out and try to block it all out.”

Mentioned Drivers: Bobby Labonte

No Comments

Be the first to comment on "Labonte nearing a decision on his future in NASCAR". Login or sign up for a free account to post your comment

Post a Comment

Disclaimer: All comments are subject to filtering for language, and libelous content. We reserve the right to remove any comments deemed inappropriate.

Comment Preview

Jul 5, 2009 at 12:56 PM
You said:

You must login before you can post comments or rate content.

If you don't have a login you can create a free account.

NASCAR Schedules

tnt

LifeLock.com 400

Chicagoland Speedway
08:16 PM, 07/11/2009

Poll PositionView All

The race at which of these remaining tracks will have the largest impact on who makes the field for the Chase For The Sprint Cup?

Promotions

  • Play "WIX Filters' Pick 3" stock car fantasy and win prizes. Season 2 is now in session!

  • Tweet your thoughts about each race and join the conversation with other fans.

  • Drive an authentic NASCAR Sprint Cup car at the Jeff Gordon Racing School.

  • Play our simulation racing fantasy game. Free with promo code "FREECRD".

NASCAR Community Join the Community

In the Forums View All

Presented by

Don't have an account yet?

Insiders Guide to NASCAR

Register with SceneDaily.com and get access to the following features:

  • FREE Insider’s Guide to NASCAR (available as a PDF download)
  • Daily NASCAR news updates delivered directly to your e-mail
  • Pre-race and Post-race emails delivered each race week
  • Ability to comment on blog and news articles
  • Information on new website features and upcoming contests
Create my Account

Login

Forgot Password?
Login or Create an Account