General Discussion » Toyota recall includes 3.8 million cars sold in the USA
November 2, 2009 General Motors is recalling all models because of a problem with plastic supply and return ports on the modular reservoir assembly. The ...
Labonte says no decision made on his 2009 status
By Bob Pockrass - Associate Editor
Sunday, May 04, 2008
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.
Mentioned Drivers:
2009 Sprint Cup Race for the Chase Standings
Driver Standings after the Checker O'Reilly Auto Parts 500
| 1 | Jimmie Johnson | 6492 |
| 2 | Mark Martin | -108 |
| 3 | Jeff Gordon | -169 |
| 4 | Kurt Busch | -211 |
| 5 | Tony Stewart | -285 |
| 6 | Juan Pablo Montoya | -289 |
| 7 | Greg Biffle | -321 |
| 8 | Denny Hamlin | -352 |
| 9 | Ryan Newman | -411 |
| 10 | Kasey Kahne | -476 |
| 11 | Carl Edwards | -520 |
| 12 | Brian Vickers | -666 |
Popular News
-
Championship battle may not be tight, but Chase still has some intrigue
Comments (79) -
Kyle Busch would consider Nationwide title his biggest achievement in NASCAR
Comments (70) -
Denny Hamlin vows to retaliate against Brad Keselowski
Comments (70) -
Jeff Gluck: Brad Keselowski's aggressive style should be embraced, not criticized
Comments (53) -
Jimmie Johnson's Texas trouble reignites NASCAR Sprint Cup championship battle
Comments (48)
Recent Headlines
-
Kevin Harvick, Ron Hornaday cap off championship year for KHI
Post Comment -
Roush Fenway Racing's Carl Edwards spins, leads final Nationwide practice
Post Comment -
Colin Braun wins Truck pole for season finale
Post Comment -
Denny Hamlin to have minor knee surgery Wednesday
Comments (1) -
Jimmie Johnson snags pole for Ford 400 at Homestead
Comments (9)
Poll PositionView All
Which has been most detrimental to NASCAR television ratings and attendance this season?
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 NASCAR Racing Experience.
-
Make weekly pics for the Chase and be entered to win weekly SPEED Merchandise.
