Labonte In Favor of All-Star Race - Always a Threat at Lowe’s

Bobby Labonte, driver of the No. 43 Cheerios Dodge, will take part in his 13th All-Star Challenge on Saturday night at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Concord, NC. Labonte will be one of the most experienced players on the track as he has two poles for NASCAR's All-Star race and has finished second twice. Labonte also has seven top-10 finishes.

Labonte's spot in the Challenge is secured as an active NASCAR Champion and he will not be required to qualify through the All-Star Open to be held earlier in the evening.

The all-star weekend began in 1985. It has been held at the 1.5-mile Lowe’s Motor Speedway, located in the city Concord, N.C, every year except 1986 when Atlanta Motor Speedway was the venue.

Competing weekly from February to November across the country, every week the best 43 drivers and teams race. So, does NASCAR need an All-Star race?

Bobby Labonte, Driver #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge:

“I’ve been a part of 12 of these things and each one has been pretty exciting. Does that mean we need one? I don’t know the right answer, but probably. It’s good for the fans and it gives everyone something different. The format is different, the payout is different and the driver’s attitude on the track is probably different too. I’ve tried to take care of my stuff and get the best result possible. You can learn some things for the next week, but everyone wants to win too. It’s cool to win races and this is still a race.

“It’s good for a lot of people that it’s in Charlotte. It’s close for the teams. That’s good. The track is just a good of place as any to host this race too. It’s a fast track and it’s always pretty exciting. The format makes the teams think about strategy and different things. It’s pretty cool to have. You just have to have fun with it.”