Labonte would be great fit at Earnhardt Ganassi, more notes

Former NASCAR Cup champion Bobby Labonte is looking for a new ride after being released from his Petty Enterprises contract. Getty Images

INDIANAPOLIS -- Now that 2000 NASCAR Cup champion Bobby Labonte has been released from his contract at Petty Enterprises, don't be surprised to see him as the driver of the No. 41 entry at Earnhardt Ganassi Racing with Felix Sabates.

It'd be a great fit for both parties. Labonte would bring much-needed leadership to a lineup that will include Juan Pablo Montoya, Martin Truex Jr. and Aric Almirola.

While Montoya has achieved racing stardom internationally in CART, the Indianapolis 500 and Formula One, he is entering his third season in NASCAR Sprint Cup racing. In 2007 he proved he could make the transition from the pinnacle of international motorsports to America's biggest racing series, posting an average finish of 22.7 in 36 starts, but his performance slipped in his second year of stock cars as his average finish declined.

Truex has shown tremendous promise and potential in his three full seasons of Sprint Cup racing before Dale Earnhardt, Inc. merged the Chip Ganassi Racing with Sabates' team. With the departure of Dale Earnhardt Jr. in 2008, Truex was the lead full-time driver on the team as veteran Mark Martin drove a limited schedule with Almirola in the No. 01 car.

Almirola will drive that car full-time in 2009 with Martin moving over to Hendrick Motorsports.

So Labonte would bring that much-needed veteran leadership and experience to this four-car operation. Although he is a quiet driver, Labonte leads by example and played a steadying influence in his days at Joe Gibbs Racing when the team added the tempestuous Tony Stewart.

Before he left for Petty Enterprises, Labonte could always been seen as the guiding light of the team while Stewart would often provide an emotional roller-coaster ride at JGR.

With Petty Enterprises in limbo while discussions regarding a possible merger with Gillett Motorsports are ongoing, Labonte was able to get a release from his contract as driver of the No. 43 last week. That automatically makes him the prime free agent without a ride in the offseason.

The key is for Labonte to be able to land a decent ride, such as the No. 41, in a tough economic environment that is already eating away at the car count for 2009.

"In over 15 years of racing in the Sprint Cup Series, I can't remember a time when the sport's landscape looks as it does today," Labonte said. "Saying that, Petty Enterprises and I had serious and very sincere discussions about what was best for myself and everyone involved at Petty Enterprises moving forward. These discussions culminated with us agreeing that moving in a separate direction will be the greatest way to reach our end goals. It was by no means an easy decision.

"I am, and will always be, very appreciative of what Richard Petty and the Petty family, every employee of Petty Enterprises and members of Boston Ventures did to invest in bettering my career the past three seasons."

Petty Enterprises entered into an agreement with the equity firm, Boston Ventures, in 2008. But when the economy tanked, Boston Ventures had to react to changing economic conditions in order to protect its investment and that is why the team has entered into merger discussions in order to survive.

Labonte made the decision to leave rather than have his career dictated by the possible merger.

"Moving forward, I'm very anxious to prepare for the 2009 season," Labonte said. "I do not currently have a contract with any other team for 2009, but I am ready to explore all opportunities and form the next partnership in my career. I'll continue to keep these matters private and will make the appropriate announcement and comments when my future plans are confirmed. I appreciate everyone's continued support."

Labonte has 21 Sprint Cup wins, 197 top-10 and 113 top-five finishes in his career. He has only raced for four team owners, including his family's operation.

Reed Sorenson drove the No. 41 but announced midway through the 2008 season that he would be leaving that ride.

So, it would only make sense to get a driver who still has the ability to get the car up front into that car, which would help the overall four-car effort for this team in 2009.

Teams test while they can

NASCAR's testing ban goes into effect on Jan. 1, so teams are busy testing in December.

That made Las Vegas Motor Speedway a busy place last week during a two-day test session for Goodyear last week.

Tire tests will still be conducted, despite the testing ban, which will make them very valuable for the teams that are invited by the tire company to participate.

Among those testing with their new teams was 49-year-old Mark Martin at Hendrick Motorsports.

"The switch to a new team has certainly rejuvenated my career," Martin said. "It's such an honor to be wanted by this team and to be welcomed to a new team is very flattering to me. Now the pressure is really on and I will have to work hard to keep up with the other guys. It's unbelievable to be able to work with [crew chief] Alan [Gustaffson] and [team owner Rick] Hendrick. The depth and knowledge of that group is unbelievable and I am looking forward to the 2009 season. I'm a lucky dude."

Martin was joined at the two-day test by Carl Edwards, Brian Vickers and David Stremme. Edwards, who won this year's Sprint Cup event at LVMS, is hoping for a repeat performance. With NASCAR's ban on testing in 2009, Edwards hopes test sessions like these will help him back to the Winner's Circle.

"As far as testing, we would be fine if we didn't, but it is nice to have the opportunity," Edwards said. "Hopefully, these two days of testing will help us put on a lot of good races in 2009."

The four drivers were not only testing for Goodyear, but also looking to improve their chances at a posting a victory in the Shelby 427 on March 1.

"Is it possible that this test session could be an advantage?" Martin asked. "I think that any experience you can get will be a premium factor in 2009. Drivers with experience can bring a little more to the team, test session or no test session. It's about the time you've spent on the track."

There were no incidents during the two-day session.