Labonte Qualifies Sixth for MBNA America 400 at Dover

DOVER, Del., Friday, Sept. 24, 2004 – Bobby Labonte qualified sixth during Bud Pole Qualifying Sept. 24 at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del.

It was Labonte’s best qualifying effort since he won the Bud Pole April 2 at Texas Motor Speedway.

After struggling in practice, Labonte turned a lap of 22.787 seconds, 157.985 mph in the No. 18 MBNA Chevrolet.

“We needed that,” Labonte said. “It was a good run for us. We needed a shot in the arm, and that helped for sure. The guys have been working hard, and I'm happy for them. Hopefully, this will continue into the race, and we can get a win or a top-five. We've had a tough time the last few races and even though it's just qualifying, it's still a little bit of good fortune for us, which we haven't had in awhile.”

Labonte will start on the outside of Row 3 next to Michael Waltrip. Labonte’s teammate, Tony Stewart, qualified 23rd in The Home Depot Chevrolet with a lap of 23.001, 156.515.

The MBNA America 400 will start at 1 p.m. (EDT) Sept. 26 and be broadcast live on TNT and MRN.