Bobby Labonte Parting Ways with Petty Enterprises

Well, it looks as though Bobby Labonte, driver of the No. 43 Petty Enterprises Dodge, has been released due to the fact that the team does not have appropriate sponsorship for next season.

General Mills, which has been a longtime sponsor for Petty Enterprises, will be moving over to the Richard Childress stables for the 2009 season. General Mills will be the sponsor of the No. 33 Chevy, driven by Clint Bowyer.

There are many rumors saying that Petty Enterprises could merge with Gillett Evernham Racing as a fourth team to Kasey Kahne, Elliott Sadler, and Reed Sorenson. If this agreement is not met between the two teams it has been stated that Petty Enterprises would remain in the sport but run only a single car operation for the 2009 season. There has been nothing said about who will replace Labonte in the famous No. 43, but there are plenty of drivers who are still looking for rides in 2009.

As for Bobby Labonte, he is now the hottest free agent on the market. Labonte is a seasoned veteran who can help a number of teams to be successful. There has been a rumor about Labonte maybe going over to Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing for 2009 to fill the vacant seat in the No. 41 car.

All I know is that Bobby Labonte will end up with some team for the 2009 season because he has what it takes to get the job done.

Labonte’s Career Stats

Sprint Cup Series

Series Champion in 2000 over second place Dale Earnhardt

Starts: 546

Wins: 21

Top-5 Finishes: 113

Top-10 Finishes: 197

Average Finish: 17.3

Nationwide Series

Series Champion in 1991

Starts: 202

Wins: 10

Top-5 Finishes: 51

Top-10 Finishes: 100

Average Finish: 14.4

Craftsman Truck Series

Starts: 10

Wins: 1

Top-5 Finishes: 5

Top-10 Finishes: 5

Average Finish: 14.8