Labonte's streak comes to an end

I hate it too, life is short. In his prime he was a good driver.
 
Im almost glad its over as a Labonte fan. I want him to move on to something competitive or just retire. Last week at Sonoma was embarrassing. I read on the JTG website that the crew chief said "these things happen" ****** really? If that was the case we would see guys drop off before the race even started all the time. JTG is a joke of a team. They didnt even roll the ****** off of pit road. Who the **** checks the car?
 
We watched both the brothers race around Texas back in the day. At the time we rooted for Freddy Friar.. Followed him around the country only to see Rusty, among others outrun him. time after time..
The brothers would show up in the flashest cars and run circles around the usual San Antonio drivers. Then they moved to the bigs and we didn't see them any more.
One memorable race was Freddy winning after Terry put him in the wall in turn four... He crossed the line BACKWARDS and on fire..
Betsy
 
clarkfn2284 said:
Im almost glad its over as a Labonte fan. I want him to move on to something competitive or just retire. Last week at Sonoma was embarrassing. I read on the JTG website that the crew chief said "these things happen" ******* really? If that was the case we would see guys drop off before the race even started all the time. JTG is a joke of a team. They didnt even roll the ****** off of pit road. Who the **** checks the car?
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This, I am just glad his stint with that team is done with. Too bad he won't be in the 51 this weekend. I think he could be fast in that car at Kentucky
 
klemmabyna said:
i always associated the labonte brother with "class act". reading message board comments about them these days makes me wonder if some of the posters ever saw them race when they were at their best and in good equipment.
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Some people just like to comment about the negatives. I should know I am one of them. :)
 
Jeffrey00 said:
This, I am just glad his stint with that team is done with. Too bad he won't be in the 51 this weekend. I think he could be fast in that car at Kentucky
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Yeah I agree. The guy can still drive his butt off. He qualified 20th in Sonoma in the junk he has been put in. It sucks for me because since I was 10 (the past 18 years) he has been the guy for me, but this year I found the future driver for me in Kyle Larson.

I really liked the gentleman style of driving from the guys like MArtin and Labonte, but the series has changed so much and you have to be willing to dump someone for the win and then say "thats racin". Maybe he gets a 1 year look in one of the major rides that may become available, but I see too many yoiunger drivers getting looked at before him.

I have even more respect for him after reading that he turned down rides because there were other younger drivers already set to drive them this week. He didnt want to take that opportunity from them. It sounds like the 51 was ready to tell Dillon he wasnt going to be racing, but Bobby said no.
 
clarkfn2284 said:
Yeah I agree. The guy can still drive his butt off. He qualified 20th in Sonoma in the junk he has been put in. It sucks for me because since I was 10 (the past 18 years) he has been the guy for me, but this year I found the future driver for me in Kyle Larson.

I really liked the gentleman style of driving from the guys like MArtin and Labonte, but the series has changed so much and you have to be willing to dump someone for the win and then say "thats racin". Maybe he gets a 1 year look in one of the major rides that may become available, but I see too many yoiunger drivers getting looked at before him.

I have even more respect for him after reading that he turned down rides because there were other younger drivers already set to drive them this week. He didnt want to take that opportunity from them. It sounds like the 51 was ready to tell Dillon he wasnt going to be racing, but Bobby said no.
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Yeah I agree. Been watching NASCAR since 1995 when I was 13. Bobby was the driver I routed for exclusively until about 2008. I still cheer for him to do good, but also follow other drivers as well. From 1995-2000 were the years to be a Bobby fan. From the Texas 2 step, to kissing the bricks, and eventually the Cup in 2000. Those were the years.
 
The 47 is just a poorly run team. Quotes from Daughtery:

“We came out of the MWR situation simply because we were all struggling.
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“We moved out of MWR because it wasn't working,”
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Isn't it funny how they had their best years with MWR backing? Sure as hell isn't better.

Quote from Bobby:

“We probably need an alliance with another team or a teammate,”
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Too little too late if you ask me.
 
Agreed. MWR is having success with their cars running up near the front.....JTG isnt. The problem musnt lie with JTG could it?

My wife mocks me mercilessly about being a Labonte fan. She wasnt into NASCAR until we met 8 years ago, so she has no idea of how good he was.

I dont see him retiring. He still enjoys it too much. Maybe the 78 team will jump at the chance to have him and have the past champion provisional.
 
clarkfn2284 said:
Agreed. MWR is having success with their cars running up near the front.....JTG isnt. The problem musnt lie with JTG could it?

My wife mocks me mercilessly about being a Labonte fan. She wasnt into NASCAR until we met 8 years ago, so she has no idea of how good he was.

I dont see him retiring. He still enjoys it too much. Maybe the 78 team will jump at the chance to have him and have the past champion provisional.
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That would be awesome, however I think between Busch and Newman whoever doesn't get the 29 will be in the 78.
 
This all brings up an interesting point . Who does get the JTG ride if not Bobby? Who can improve the program ?
 
The thing that amazes me about the 47 team is that despite their continuous poor results, they always seem to have sponsorship, be it Clorox, Bush's, Scott, or whoever. You would think that would only go on for so long.
 
ToyYoda said:
The thing that amazes me about the 47 team is that despite their continuous poor results, they always seem to have sponsorship, be it Clorox, Bush's, Scott, or whoever. You would think that would only go on for so long.
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I think the company who did all those products just likes cheap team, kinda like Hefty follows McClure around to all his low budget teams.
 
Say all the PC crap they want to putting AJ in this ride will improve their chances for better finishes from day one. Bobby had his day but it's come and gone and AJ is one hell of a good driver.
 
clarkfn2284 said:
I dont see him retiring. He still enjoys it too much. Maybe the 78 team will jump at the chance to have him and have the past champion provisional.
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Why? I think the 78's current past champion provisional is doing just fine.

Bobby's awesome...just the nicest guy. I hope he lands on his feet, though I'll admit it's a little depressing to see him week in and week out puttering around out there between 25-35. With his career highlight reel, I wonder what motivates him these days to drive that kind of junk. Maybe that's why he hasn't taken another ride (he has offers).
 
Jeffrey00 said:
The 47 is just a poorly run team. Quotes from Daughtery:






Isn't it funny how they had their best years with MWR backing? Sure as hell isn't better.

Quote from Bobby:



Too little too late if you ask me.
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#47 is a dumpster fire right now. I can't imagine either of the two major Toyota teams helping them out a little at this point.
 
BiffleRules said:
Say all the PC crap they want to putting AJ in this ride will improve their chances for better finishes from day one. Bobby had his day but it's come and gone and AJ is one hell of a good driver.
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If you are an AJ fan you better hope he doesn't get the 47 ride.
 
ted@economy said:
This all brings up an interesting point . Who does get the JTG ride if not Bobby? Who can improve the program ?
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Im going to assume it will be AJ. I figure after 5 starts this season they will like their chances and offer him the ride next season.

ToyYoda said:
The thing that amazes me about the 47 team is that despite their continuous poor results, they always seem to have sponsorship, be it Clorox, Bush's, Scott, or whoever. You would think that would only go on for so long.
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JTG has done some amazing work with their sponsorship. Scott products, Little Debbies, Kingsford, Clorox, Charter, Bubba Burgers, USO, Raineater, Bush's. This season however they had a handful of unsponsored races. Not sure what the connection is between Tad and all of them, but its a strong sponsorship program. I would imagine it will slip some in the offseason.

Allenbaba said:
Why? I think the 78's current past champion provisional is doing just fine.

Bobby's awesome...just the nicest guy. I hope he lands on his feet, though I'll admit it's a little depressing to see him week in and week out puttering around out there between 25-35. With his career highlight reel, I wonder what motivates him these days to drive that kind of junk. Maybe that's why he hasn't taken another ride (he has offers).
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Kurt Busch will not be back in the 78 next season.

FLRacingFan said:
#47 is a dumpster fire right now. I can't imagine either of the two major Toyota teams helping them out a little at this point.
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I would imagine that that ship has sailed at this point. MWR was willing to assist JTG while they worked on getting a second team going, but JTG felt it was paramount to have their own facility and left. Epic Fail
 
clarkfn2284 said:
Kurt Busch will not be back in the 78 next season./quote]

Not sure why you would say that clarkfn . Kurt Busch is one hell of a wheelman with one hell of a lot of baggage . I haven't heard of any sponsors wanting to jump on with Kurt just yet , nor have I heard of any rides as good as the 78 that are open. Possibly the 29 might be open for a year , but without bringing any sponsorship Kurt would not be high on the list , besides it isn't a lot better ride. I don't see Kurt going anywhere , but I do see him making the chase in the 78 next year , which is more than I can say for some of the RCR cars.
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ToyYoda said:
The thing that amazes me about the 47 team is that despite their continuous poor results, they always seem to have sponsorship, be it Clorox, Bush's, Scott, or whoever. You would think that would only go on for so long.
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Sponsorship is a huge deal for any company. Winning races is not their main focus . Heck there is only one winner so the other 42 cars have to build their race program around a full package . They do in store promotions , driver appearances , show car events , bring customers to the track , build advertising campaigns around the car and driver , have the driver speak at employee gatherings , and a million other things . Some companies look at spending an amount equal to the car sponsorship in their own marketing . If they were to tie all that to just winning , they would not last long in this sport . Part of what they hope to accomplish is to get their product in front of race fans like us so that we know their names like you have just done , Clorox , Bush , Scott , etc.
 

It is clearly evident that KB wants a better ride. He will jump the minute he gets the chance to have a multi car team that has a big time owner. RCR isnt goign to just shut down the 29. I think Busch and him will get together and they will find sponsorship. Kurt Busch has been really impressive this season. Someone will sponsor him. His success this season and in the past trumps any of the bad boy antics from the past. The only thing standing in the way would be Childress going after Newman instead. RCR losing Harvick leaves them without a big time name on that team. Busch provides that.
 
clarkfn2284 said:
...... Someone will sponsor him.
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Don't know if that is something I could put money on this soon . Kurt owes Furniture Row big time right now . And I'm sure they are very happy with Kurt . It 's a good deal for both .
 
clarkfn2284 said:
It is clearly evident that KB wants a better ride. He will jump the minute he gets the chance to have a multi car team that has a big time owner. RCR isnt goign to just shut down the 29. I think Busch and him will get together and they will find sponsorship. Kurt Busch has been really impressive this season. Someone will sponsor him. His success this season and in the past trumps any of the bad boy antics from the past. The only thing standing in the way would be Childress going after Newman instead. RCR losing Harvick leaves them without a big time name on that team. Busch provides that.
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I do not definitively know whether or not Kurt will be in the #78 next year, but I will tell you this: as long as Furniture Row Racing remains a paying customer of RCR, Kurt WILL NOT be driving the #29.

That I can say with certainty.
 
Same goes for AJ by the way . I'm not thinkin that sponsors are ready for him yet either . The reason Jeff Burton and Bobby Labonte are having long careers is that sponsors love them.
 
Just because Kurt hasn't signed a long term contract with furniture row doesn't mean he is going anywhere. He is the best talent that is driving the 78 to date, so there isn't any need to sign up. Just smart business, keeping his options open. In fact it is Kurt's fault he hasn't won a race as much as it is his crew, he has been close this year more than once. He is making good money with furniture row, it would have to be a hell of an opportunity for him to move somewhere. Much different with Labonte, he hasn't done anything for years, all he has to sell is his past champion provisional, for his one in 21 years when he won a championship..11 years ago. That has been the only reason he is in the show for years now. Needs to say on his fire suit.."I'm only here because I am a past champion and I can get your P.O.S. in the show".
 
ted@economy said:
Same goes for AJ by the way . I'm not thinkin that sponsors are ready for him yet either . The reason Jeff Burton and Bobby Labonte are having long careers is that sponsors love them.
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What was AJ suspended for??????? Any body actually know? Look its a fact in this world that winning cures. AJ is starting to get some success. Michigan and Road America. THe people lining up at JTG's doors are not going to be top level talents. Sponsoring Bobby and his great image had done nothing for the sponsors being in victory lane. Why not take a chance? Nobody saw what Kurt Busch did and said ..."you know I dont like that Busch guys antics. Im not going to Shell anymore." Sponsorship from major corporations are not effected by what these guys do.

As for Kurt getting the ride in the 29. At the end of the day if RCR want him he will be there. The question is why wouldnt they want him? He is better than anything they already have. If Burton retires they have 2 rides to fill. 1is most likely going to be Dillon even though he hasnt shown himself to be ready the other is going to be Newman or Busch. It's a no brainer.
 
Captain Coyfish said:
I think the company who did all those products just likes cheap team, kinda like Hefty follows McClure around to all his low budget teams.
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Yeah, exactly. JTG probably charges less for sponsorship than Hendrick or Roush. They probably just think they're getting a deal on NASCAR sponsorship and damn how well the car does.
 
There are sponsors with smaller budgets . Smaller teams are pleased to do business with them . Why not ?
 
clarkfn2284 said:
It is clearly evident that KB wants a better ride. He will jump the minute he gets the chance to have a multi car team that has a big time owner. RCR isnt goign to just shut down the 29. I think Busch and him will get together and they will find sponsorship. Kurt Busch has been really impressive this season. Someone will sponsor him. His success this season and in the past trumps any of the bad boy antics from the past. The only thing standing in the way would be Childress going after Newman instead. RCR losing Harvick leaves them without a big time name on that team. Busch provides that.
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Kurt Busch has already stated that the 78 is like the 4th RCR car. They get all their equipment from RCR and have access to everything RCR has to offer. They sit in on all of RCR's meetings, have access to engineers, and on Race day can see what all the RCR teams are doing setup wise. I see no need for Kurt to jump ship just to be with a multi car operation.
 
Jeffrey00 said:
Kurt Busch has already stated that the 78 is like the 4th RCR car. They get all their equipment from RCR and have access to everything RCR has to offer. They sit in on all of RCR's meetings, have access to engineers, and on Race day can see what all the RCR teams are doing setup wise. I see no need for Kurt to jump ship just to be with a multi car operation.
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I understand all of this, but many of you are discounting the fact that a move to the 29 makes Kurt the man on RCR. He was the man at Penske. I dont think anyone would disagree that Kurt is a top 5 driver. He has as big an ego as any driver out there. He needs to be the guy on a legit team. The 78 already asked to talk extension to which he told them to wait til the offseason.

If he was so impressed with the 78 and so eager to stay he would have talked deal.
 
clarkfn2284 said:
I understand all of this, but many of you are discounting the fact that a move to the 29 makes Kurt the man on RCR. He was the man at Penske. I dont think anyone would disagree that Kurt is a top 5 driver. He has as big an ego as any driver out there. He needs to be the guy on a legit team. The 78 already asked to talk extension to which he told them to wait til the offseason.

If he was so impressed with the 78 and so eager to stay he would have talked deal.
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They brought up the extension after the 2012 season when he knocked out a few top 10s in a row to end the season. That is when he told them to hold off on the extension. I think he stays at the 78. Competitive cars, great backing from RCR and he will never have sponsor trouble. That is one thing that has to be figured in all this, will the 29 have sponsor trouble?
 
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