From nascar.com
Bobby Labonte, a former Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series champion has been released from his contract with Petty Enterprises, it was announced Thursday.
The veteran had committed to a multi-year renewal of his deal with the team earlier this season at the same time as a new partnership between Petty and Boston Ventures had been announced.
However, the current uncertainty on the team's future and the lack of funding for his car, have forced an early split after Labonte drove the famous No. 43 car for the past three seasons.
Petty Enterprises have been in talks with at least three other teams about a possible merger but neither DEI, nor Chip Ganassi Racing reached a deal with the oldest team in the Sprint Cup Series, both merging together later in mid-November.
For the past few weeks the team have held discussions with Gillett Evernham about a possible deal that would see them take over their No. 43 car. Their other entry, which was driven by Kyle Petty and Chad McCumbee, is not expected to race full-time if at all next season.
It's another step toward the end of Petty Enterprises as the sport has always known it, the team that family patriarch Lee Petty founded in 1949.
photo:NASCAR & Tom Copeland
Bobby Labonte, a former Sprint Cup and Nationwide Series champion has been released from his contract with Petty Enterprises, it was announced Thursday.
The veteran had committed to a multi-year renewal of his deal with the team earlier this season at the same time as a new partnership between Petty and Boston Ventures had been announced.
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| Petty patriarch Lee presides over three generations of racers: son Richard, grandson Kyle and great grandson Adam. |
However, the current uncertainty on the team's future and the lack of funding for his car, have forced an early split after Labonte drove the famous No. 43 car for the past three seasons.
Petty Enterprises have been in talks with at least three other teams about a possible merger but neither DEI, nor Chip Ganassi Racing reached a deal with the oldest team in the Sprint Cup Series, both merging together later in mid-November.
For the past few weeks the team have held discussions with Gillett Evernham about a possible deal that would see them take over their No. 43 car. Their other entry, which was driven by Kyle Petty and Chad McCumbee, is not expected to race full-time if at all next season.
It's another step toward the end of Petty Enterprises as the sport has always known it, the team that family patriarch Lee Petty founded in 1949.
photo:NASCAR & Tom Copeland