Labonte Qualifies Sixth in Nextel Cup; Finishes 29th in Truck Race
HOMESTEAD, Fla., Friday, Nov. 19, 2004 – Bobby Labonte qualified sixth during Bud Pole Qualifying for the Ford 400 Nov. 19 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Labonte turned a lap of 30.245 seconds, 178.542 mph in the No. 18 Interstate Batteries Chevrolet.
“The car was pretty good,” Labonte said. “We didn't start off very good, but we got better in practice and then qualifying backed up our speed. Some guys picked up. A lot of guys lost. I think as far as average goes we were better than average. The car felt pretty good on the lap that we ran.”
Labonte is the defending champion of the Ford 400 and enters the race hoping to extend a streak of nine consecutive seasons with a NEXTEL Cup win.
“I think we'll be alright,” Labonte said. “We got our work cut out for us. A lot of the guys are pretty good. We're not the best car yet that's for sure. We got to get better tomorrow in practice and then we'll see how it turns out for Sunday.”
After qualifying, Labonte competed in the Ford 200 Craftsman Truck Series race. After starting fifth, Labonte took the lead on Lap 55. However, just two laps later, Labonte spun exiting Turn 4 and had to pit under green. He was down two laps when he experienced and engine problem on Lap 89. He finished 29th.
The Ford 400 NEXTEL Cup Series race will start at 12:30 p.m. (EDT) Nov. 21 and be broadcast live on NBC and MRN.
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