Bobby Labonte, replaced at Hall of Fame Racing for seven NASCAR Sprint Cup races because Rookie Erik Darnell brought sponsorship, replaces David Gilliland at TRG for those races.
In a last minute development Bobby Labonte, and TRG announced a seven-race deal for the 2000 Cup Champion replacing David Gilliland in the No. 71 Chevrolet.
Labonte said, in a TRG statement “This whole thing came together over the last 24 hours," Labonte said. "Slugger (Richard "Slugger" Labbe, TRG Motorsports crew chief) called me yesterday morning and had an idea and wondered if I would be interested or not. I had some openings I wasn't planning on, so it just kind of worked out."
"I am just trying to go to the rest of the races full-tilt. I talked to Kevin (Buckler TRG Motorsports team principal) a couple of times yesterday and he seems very committed and I think it will work out for both of us."
Labonte is the Cup driver with the most wins at Atlanta Motor Speedway where he has posted six victories, the last in 2003.
"I love going fast. I love Atlanta. It is a driver's track. I love that part about it. You have to handle so well there. If your car doesn't handle well you are in for a long day. You can move around, there is more than one groove."
Because the team stands 37th in owner points, he’ll have to qualify on speed or use a past champion’s provisional.
photo:NASCAR - Getty Images
In a last minute development Bobby Labonte, and TRG announced a seven-race deal for the 2000 Cup Champion replacing David Gilliland in the No. 71 Chevrolet.
Labonte said, in a TRG statement “This whole thing came together over the last 24 hours," Labonte said. "Slugger (Richard "Slugger" Labbe, TRG Motorsports crew chief) called me yesterday morning and had an idea and wondered if I would be interested or not. I had some openings I wasn't planning on, so it just kind of worked out."
"I am just trying to go to the rest of the races full-tilt. I talked to Kevin (Buckler TRG Motorsports team principal) a couple of times yesterday and he seems very committed and I think it will work out for both of us."
Labonte is the Cup driver with the most wins at Atlanta Motor Speedway where he has posted six victories, the last in 2003.
"I love going fast. I love Atlanta. It is a driver's track. I love that part about it. You have to handle so well there. If your car doesn't handle well you are in for a long day. You can move around, there is more than one groove."
Because the team stands 37th in owner points, he’ll have to qualify on speed or use a past champion’s provisional.
photo:NASCAR - Getty Images