Phoenix Racing Irwin Tools Bristol Night Race Report

BRISTOL, Tenn. (August 21, 2010) - Bobby Labonte and the No. 09 Phoenix Construction Chevrolet team finished 38th in Saturday night's IRWIN Tools Night Race at the Bristol Motor Speedway. The team was victim to a blown tire that caused enough damage to end their night early. Labonte completed 118 laps.

Heading into the night's race the team felt good. Labonte was the fastest of all the go-or-go-homers during Friday's qualifying session and felt like they had a good car for the 500-lap race. Unfortunately, Labonte reported to the team on Lap 3 that there may be an issue under the hood of the No. 09 Chevrolet. Labonte continued to make laps until he pulled into the garage on Lap 38 with continued issues. Trying to diagnose the problem, the team got under the hood of the car and found that the car had no fuel pressure. The fuel pump was replaced, but it still did not have enough pressure to run. The team then replaced the ignition box.

Returning to the track at Lap 172, the team focused on gaining positions from teams who retired early from the race and those who had other problems. At Lap 192, the caution flag flew for the No. 82 car making contact with the wall. Labonte and the team had moved up to the 38th position.

Labonte was running steady with the field and gaining points for the No. 09 Phoenix Chevrolet when he blew a right-front tire on Lap 253. The team headed straight to the garage and thus ending their night. The No. 09 Phoenix Construction Chevrolet finished the race in 38th position.

"It's one of those long nights," Labonte said. "I feel terrible for this team. These guys work their tails off and deserve a good finish. We were looking forward to having a good night. That just didn't happen."