Labonte nearing a decision on his future in 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.”
