Labonte says no decision made on his 2009 status

By Bob Pockrass - Associate Editor

Sunday, May 04, 2008

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RICHMOND, Va. – With Petty Enterprises in transition to a potential new ownership structure, its franchise driver was mum about his future Saturday.

Amid reports that he has decided to stay with the team, Bobby Labonte said he had nothing to announce prior to the Crown Royal 400 at Richmond International Raceway.

When asked if he had made a decision about his future, Labonte said: “I haven’t. Nothing from me from my mouth has said that I’ve done that. Until then, stay tuned.”

Petty Enterprises is in negotiations with an investment group. The team needs a sponsor to replace General Mills, which is going to Richard Childress Racing next season. Loomis didn't address any specifics of future sponsorship, though he did say he is more comfortable with the situation for next season. There had been speculation that Labonte was considering moving with the sponsor.

Does Labonte feel that Petty Enterprises can improve with the new structure?

“There’s opportunities and a lot of things right now,” Labonte said. “We’ll just kind of weigh some options out and see what’s there.”

Petty Enterprises Executive Vice President Robbie Loomis reiterated his stance that he is confident that Labonte will remain with the
team.

“It is a changing sport and there’s all kinds of dynamics that change, I guess, when [Carl] Edwards was looking around, that probably was one scenario and now you’ve got Tony [Stewart] threw out there his deal. I’m no mind reader and if the 20 car [at Joe Gibbs Racing] or something like that were to come open, you know plans change, but as far as I know, Bobby Labonte will be with us for a long time.”

Labonte's contract ends at the conclusion of this season. He joined the team in 2006 and finished 18th in the standings last year. Labonte is 22nd in the standings this season.