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Wednesday, February 28, 2001
Park to be named for Labontes
Panel to raise $25,000 to replace some signs
By Guy H. Lawrence
Caller-Times
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| Terry Labonte |
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| Bobby Labonte |
City Council members gave the green flag on Tuesday to renaming Nueces River Park after NASCAR drivers Terry and Bobby Labonte.
The unanimous vote to change the name to Terry and Bobby Labonte Park was great news for NASCAR fans like David Gibson, a state construction inspector.
In a time when news about athletes often is negative, such as drug abuse or domestic violence, it is great to recognize role models like the Labontes, said Gibson, 56.
"The Labontes to me are just good clean-cut, wholesome, young guys, and you never hear anything bad about them," Gibson said.
Gibson often hears the Labontes introduced at races as hailing from Corpus Christi, so it is important for the city to recognize the two champion drivers, he said.
To complete the project, the Labonte Brothers Special Recognition Committee, which brought the proposal to the City Council, needs to raise $25,000 for new signs, said Councilman Henry Garrett, chairman of the committee.
The committee also wants to see if the brothers will attend the park's renaming ceremony.
Committee member Tom Niskala, chief executive officer of the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce, said local businesses have already begun to donate money for the signs.
The money will pay to change four state highway signs that now point to Nueces River Park from Interstate 37.
Garrett said people who have talked to him about renaming the park were eager to honor the racers.
Members of the Labonte Brothers Special Recognition Committee:
Councilman Henry Garrett
Daiquiri Richard, executive director of Beautify Corpus Christi Association
Paul Longoria, a local radio sportscaster
City Manager David Garcia
Tom Niskala, chief executive officer of the Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce
Diana Z. Garza, assistant to the mayor
Tony Cisneros, director of park and recreation
Yvonne Haag, assistant to the city
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"I think it is a positive thing for the community," said Garrett, also a racing fan.
The committee will schedule a ceremony the week of the April 1 NASCAR race that is scheduled at Texas Speedway near Fort Worth, in hopes of having the Labontes here for the ceremony, said Yvonne Haag, assistant to the city manager.
Last year, Bobby Labonte captured the Winston Cup title, NASCAR's top honor. Terry Labonte won Winston Cup titles in 1984 and 1996. Both live in North Carolina.
Bobby Labonte races for Joe Gibbs Racing, and Terry Labonte races for Hendrick Motorsports.
Staff writer Guy H. Lawrence can be reached at 886-3792 or by e-mail at lawrenceg@caller.com
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© 2001,
a Scripps Howard newspaper. All rights reserved.
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