Homecoming For Labonte At Texas
Cheerios Dodge team now 19th in series standings

LEVEL CROSS, NC (October 31, 2006) - This weekend, Bobby Labonte and the #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge team will head to the 1.5-mile Texas Motor Speedway (TMS) for Sunday’s Dickies 500.

Labonte is a native of Corpus Christi and coming back to his home state for a race is usually a highlight of the season. This weekend, however, will be even more special. Labonte’s older brother, Terry, will be making the final NASCAR start of his long career. The two brothers are the only duo to both become NASCAR Nextel Cup champions.

Labonte will be making his 12th start at TMS this weekend. Labonte has three top five and five top 10 finishes at the track located in Ft. Worth, Tex. He finished tenth in the Samsung/Radio Shack 500 at TMS in April of this year.

Comments from Labonte as he prepares for Sunday’s Dickies 500:

What are your thoughts heading into a big Texas weekend?

“I have so many family and friends back there that keep busy. Obviously it’s a big weekend for our family. This is Terry’s last race, and I think we have a lot of emotions about that. Our Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge has been running strong. I think we have a lot going on this weekend. It’s all good stuff so we are all excited.”

“Texas has been a good track for me in the past. In my first race here we finished third. We had a good run here in April and we know we’re better. I always cherish getting to come back to Texas. This is a special place for us.”

Everyone knows your successful past when it comes to intermediate tracks. We are going to similar tracks for consecutive weeks. That should keep your momentum going, right?

“I sure hope so. It has been nice to have seen the success lately. Paul and I are on the same page right now. Everyone in the shop has just remained so focused. We did have a top-ten car at Atlanta and ran into a little bad luck. To rebound and finish 12th is a testament to a lot of hard work.”

We can still make some moves in the points and that would be great for everyone associated with Petty Enterprises. These next three tracks are definitely places where we can pick up good finishes. That is what we are going to try to do.”

Terry’s retirement this weekend must be a little bittersweet?

“Yeah, it is. We all have a lot of emotion about it. But, he has had a long and very successful career. He gets to go out at home on his own terms. I have admired him for so many things. I have looked up to him for so many things. The fact that he wanted to make Texas his last race is pretty special. This is our home and I know he appreciates all the fans.”

“It will be tough not sharing the same track anymore. We used to park out motorhomes beside each other so that will take some getting used to. He is a great champion that will be missed around the garage.”