Bobby Labonte, Phoenix Team Up
Dec 17 2013 - 2:21pm
We haven't seen the last of Bobby Labonte.
Phoenix Racing announced that the 2000 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion will drive a second car for the team in the Daytona 500 on February 23, 2014 at Daytona International Speedway. The move reunites Labonte with Phoenix Racing chairman emeritus James Finch. Labonte drove 13 races for Phoenix Racing in 2010 and ine one race last season.
Harry Scott, Jr., who purchased the team from Finch in 2013, said, "James continues to be a valuable part of our team and when he came up with the idea of running Bobby in a second car, I jumped at the opportunity to bring him back into the fold. Bobby is a veteran driver that can also provide valuable insight and leadership for Phoenix Racing."
He also has a champion's provisional, which would be a bonus to the team and to Labonte.
"I'm thrilled to be headed back to Daytona with Bobby Labonte," said Finch. "I thank Harry Scott for this opportunity. He knew I would have to be weaned off racing, I can't quit cold turkey."
"I am grateful and excited to return to Daytona with Phoenix Racing," said Labonte. "The Daytona 500 is obviously a special event for everyone involved in the sport. I can't wait to get back in the car for my 22nd Daytona 500."
Labonte, who will run a number of races for Phoenix Racing in 2014, has won 21 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races in his career that started in 1991. During that time Labonte scored 115 top-five, and 203 top-10 finishes. In 1990 Labonte was named the NASCAR Nationwide Series Most Popular Driver. He captured the NASCAR Nationwide Series championship a year later in 1991. The team will provide additional information in the coming weeks about which car number will be entered, the crew chief for the team and sponsors supporting the car.
