Bobby Labonte to RCR?

[rbroyles]

Richard Childress has said he will field a 4th car in 2009, and most likely enter a few races with that additional car in 2008. Last year Scott Wimmer drove a few races for RCR, and would most likely be the driver this year for those selected races.

The big news according to Bob Margolis of Yahoo Sports is that the driver in 2009 will be Bobby Labonte. Labonte now with Petty Enterprizes would also bring his sponser, General Mills. Labonte is alrealdy slated to drive in some Nationwide races this year in a RCR car, which I found interesting, and now makes sense. Labonte also brings a past champions provisional, very important for a new team. I wonder how the loss of their best driver and even more importantly, the loss of their sponser will affect the Petty operation? Thoughts?

 

[jhen713]

I have also heard that GM is wiling to front the money for Childress to buy out the last year of Smoke's contract to get him back in a Cheverolet. Not saying there is any grounds to it but has come up from several people. Tony says that he only wants to race for JGR but we'll see. Either one would be a good move for Childress.

 

[**ORANGEBLOOD**]

I thought General Mills was with Petty before Labonte got there?

 

[rbroyles]

I thought General Mills was with Petty before Labonte got there?

You are correct, the speculation of the move is from the Yahoo article. If their contract is up for renewal, which most are annually, then they are free to go where they want. I believe Cheerios was the sponser back when John Andretti drove for them.

 

[rbroyles]

I have also heard that GM is wiling to front the money for Childress to buy out the last year of Smoke's contract to get him back in a Cheverolet. Not saying there is any grounds to it but has come up from several people. Tony says that he only wants to race for JGR but we'll see. Either one would be a good move for Childress.

While I haven't read anything about Smoke, nothing surprises me. What is unusual is having "silly season" talk after only one race. I cannot recall that happening so early before. Bobby said last night there are times when he regrets leaving Gibbs, and Dale Jarrett said the same thing. So Smoke may not be so quick to leave what I think is the best team to be on right now.

 

[Arclight]

Jayski also shows BL to RCR in a fourth team car.

 

[d4ster3]

Ive always liked Bobby, Id like to see him get with RCR and have some success..

 

[Hoosier_Vol]

I could see this happening but from what I hear Bobby and Kyle have gotten really close so I'm not sure he would do that to Petty Racing. Who knows? I don't see Smokie comming to RCR however.

 

[rbroyles]

I could see this happening but from what I hear Bobby and Kyle have gotten really close so I'm not sure he would do that to Petty Racing. Who knows? I don't see Smokie comming to RCR however.

I would be surprised if Stewart goes to Childress, but I think Labonte is going somewhere, he's too used to winning.

 

[d4ster3]

Robbie Loomis said he doubts General Mills will go to RCR bc they already have Jack Daniels as a sponsor

 

[**ORANGEBLOOD**]

If General Mills leaves Petty, Petty will probably align with Evernham in some way. It has already been discussed. Petty uses Evernham engines, and with sponsorship in short supply It leaves them little choice.