Labonte will start 29th in New Hampshire

QUALIFYING RESULTS:
1. Kevin Harvick, Chevrolet, 28.793 seconds, 132.282 miles per hour
2. Jeff Gordon, Chevrolet, 28.909 seconds, 131.751 miles per hour
3. Kurt Busch, Dodge, 28.968 seconds, 131.483 miles per hour
4. Ryan Newman, Dodge, 29.027 seconds, 131.216 miles per hour
5. Denny Hamlin, Chevrolet, 29.149 seconds, 130.667 miles per hour
27. Kyle Petty, Dodge, 29.457 seconds, 129.300 miles per hour
29. Bobby Labonte, Dodge, 29.471 seconds, 129.239 miles per hour

LOUDON, NH (September 15, 2006) - Petty Enterprises returned to the flat, one-mile New Hampshire International Speedway for Sunday’s Sylvania 300. The teams qualified Friday after completing a two-hour practice session in the afternoon. The #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge team and the #45 Petty Enterprises Dodge team are being led by new crew chiefs this weekend. Billy Wilburn now leads driver Kyle Petty while Paul Andrews takes reign for Bobby Labonte. Wilburn led Petty into the field Friday while Andrews helped Labonte place solidly into Sunday’s 300-lap race. Kevin Harvick won the pole on the partly cloudy day that featured 48 drivers attempting qualifying runs.

Labonte and the #43Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge team was the 31st fastest car in practice on Friday. Labonte ran a lap of 29.537 seconds as the team headed into qualifying. An unlucky draw, he was the seventh car to take qualify, the team was hurt by a warm, slick track. Labonte, however, still laid down his fast time of the day. Labonte qualified 29th.

“We’re still working on the car,” said Labonte. “Paul (Andrews) has come over here and has started to get to know us. He’s been doing a great job so far. We’re going to keep working on the car and get ready for Sunday.”

Petty and the #45 Dodge team qualified 27th on Friday. Petty was the 29th fastest car in practice. Petty had to qualify on time and did so behind new crew chief Billy Wilburn. Petty’s second qualifying lap was good enough for the 27th fastest time. Petty was pleased with the run and new crew chief Wilburn.

“That was a good lap for us today,” said Petty. “It’s good for Billy (Wilburn) to come in help us out. All the guys worked hard this afternoon to get us easily into the field.”

Sunday’s race will be televised live nationally on TNT and broadcast on MRN Radio. Race coverage begins at 12:30pm (EST).