Bud Pole Qualifying Washed Out; Labonte to Start Ninth

BROOKLYN, MI (Friday, Aug. 20, 2004) - Rain caused Bud Pole Qualifying to be canceled Aug. 20 at historic Michigan International Speedway and the starting line-up was determined by owner's points, which means Bobby Labonte will start ninth in the GFS Marketplace 400 on Aug. 22.

It is the second consecutive week that qualifying has been canceled due to rain.

"We got on the track today and were in the top-10 in practice in our Wellbutrin XL Monte Carlo," Labonte said. "Its disappointing we didnt get a chance to go for the pole, but we've still got a really good race car for Sunday. We'll work on it tomorrow during Happy Hour and try to get it even better."

Busch Qualifying was also rained out, which means Labonte will not compete in the Cabelas 250 on Saturday in the No. 19 Banquet Chevrolet. Labonte had a champions provisional from his 1991 Busch Series championship, but because he did not attempt to qualify for a Busch race in 2003, per NASCAR rules, he was not eligible to use the champions provisional.

"I really wanted to race in the Busch race, and I feel bad for Banquet and ConAgra," Labonte said. "But, there is nothing we can do about it and those are the rules. It's tough, but for now well just concentrate on the Cup race and try to get a win there."

The GFS Marketplace 400 will start at 2 p.m. (EDT) Aug. 22 and be broadcast live on TNT and MRN.