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.
Miss Sprint Cup | On Twitter Now
Popular News
-
Roush Fenway Racing’s Carl Edwards avoids suspension, placed on probation for intentionally wrecking Brad Keselowski at Atlanta
Comments (254) -
Angry Carl Edwards causes frightening crash when he retaliates against Brad Keselowski at Atlanta
Comments (178) -
MONDAY MORNING CREW CHIEF: NASCAR faces a big question – what to do with Carl Edwards?
Comments (152) -
Brad Keselowski calls for Carl Edwards to be suspended as NASCAR considers penalty for crash
Comments (146) -
Hendrick’s Dale Earnhardt Jr. calls 16th-place finish 'not too good'
Comments (133)
Recent Headlines
-
Speedway Motorsports revenues drop nearly 10 percent in 2009; ticket revenue down 13 percent
Comments (1) -
Michael Waltrip gets ride for Sprint Cup race at Talladega
Comments (8) -
After Carl Edwards-Brad Keselowski incident, paybacks on the track are more acceptable, NASCAR drivers say
Comments (129) -
NASCAR, top teams creating new licensing agency to handle merchandise, apparel
Comments (11) -
Jeremy Mayfield’s former brother-in-law among those suspended for violating NASCAR’s substance-abuse policy
Comments (19)
Poll PositionView All
How should NASCAR penalize Carl Edwards?
Promotions
-
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.