Bobby Labonte

Born: May 8, 1964, Corpus Christi, TX
Wife: Donna
Children: Tyler and Madison
Height: 5' 8" Weight: 175

Like most NASCAR drivers, Bobby Labonte started young, driving Quarter-Midgets at the age of five and moving to go-karts in 1978 when he was 14. In 1979, he moved to North Carolina when his father was hired by big brother Terry's team at Billy Hagan racing. After graduating from high school in 1982, he began full time as a mechanic at Hagan racing, but was fired when Terry left in 1986. Labonte started working with and driving Late Model stocks and moved to the Busch series in 1990 and became BGN champion in 1991.

It was in the Busch circuit that Labonte became friends with Bill Davis, who was planning to move to Winston Cup with his current driver, Jeff Gordon. When Gordon decided to sign on with Rick Hendrick, Bill asked Labonte to drive the #22 car.

Labonte's first Winston Cup season was impressive and he was the runner-up for Rookie of the Year. In 1995, Joe Gibbs Racing called after losing their driver, Dale Jarrett. Davis was having sponsor trouble at the time, so Labonte made the decision to move to Joe Gibbs and the #18 Interstate Batteries car. He won three races that season, and finished 10th in the standings. In 1996 Labonte earned his first victory of the year at the last race of the season. Atlanta was also the race that won his brother the Winston championship. Their dual victory was a NASCAR highlight that is still remembered.

In 1997, the team changed cars from the Monte Carlo to the Pontiac Grand Prix. In addition to his Winston Cup success, Labonte was also the successful owner/driver of the #44 Shell Oil Pontiac in the BGN series. After running his final Busch race in 1997, Labonte sold his operation to Joe Gibbs Racing. The #44 was then driven by Tony Stewart, who became Bobby's teammate in 1999.

All contributions are welcome, and should be made payable to Chamber of Commerce Labonte Recognition Fund, or make an online contribution here. Call 361-880-3234 for information regarding corporate sponsorship packages.

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