Labonte to start 16th in Kansas Cup event

QUALIFYING RESULTS:
1. Kasey Kahne, Dodge, 30.273 seconds, 178.377 miles per hour
2. Scott Riggs, Dodge, 30.348 seconds, 177.936 miles per hour
3. Jimmie Johnson, Chevrolet, 30.528 seconds, 176.887 miles per hour
4. Brian Vickers, Chevrolet, 30.535 seconds, 176.846 miles per hour
5. J.J. Yeley, Chevrolet, 30.543 seconds, 176.800 miles per hour
16. Bobby Labonte, Dodge, 30.823 seconds, 175.194 miles per hour
24. Kyle Petty, Dodge, 30.957 seconds, 174.436 miles per hour

KANSAS CITY, KS (September 29, 2006) - Labonte and the #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge team had a good day on Friday for Sunday’s Banquet 400 at the 1.5-mile Kansas Speedway. Labonte and the team were able to try different setups in practice before settling in for qualifying. Labonte, however, wasn’t sure what he had before he took to the track. His “mock” qualifying run in practice was negated after another car got into his way. Matters were made worse for Labonte when the car before he qualified hit the wall spreading debris everywhere. The #43 Cheerios/Betty Crocker Dodge team and Labonte proved that they were strong. Labonte’s lap put him the 16th fastest on the day.

“The Cheerios guys did a good today,” said Labonte. “We weren’t sure, but it ended up in our favor today. That says a lot about this team and how hard they work. It gives us a better starting spot than what we’ve had in the past few weeks.”

Kyle Petty and the #45 Wells Fargo Dodge team continue to be strong on Friday’s. Petty, racing the Wells Fargo colors this weekend, qualified 24th. It is Petty’s best qualifying effort on a mile-and-a-half track since Texas back in April. Kasey Kahne led an Evernham Motorsports front row during the qualifying session. Kahne won his fifth pole of the season. It could not have come at a better time. The championship contender was knocked out of last weekend’s race early. Scott Riggs qualified second.

Petty and the #45 Wells Fargo Dodge team had to qualify on time Friday. Petty was strong in the afternoon practice session. The team was in the top-25 at the end of practice. Petty ran a smooth lap and the time was good enough for the 24th best qualifying time.

“I’m just blessed to drive the car,” said Petty. “Billy (Wilburn) and the guys on this Wells Fargo team pour their heart and soul into this team. It makes everyone feel good when you have a day like this. It gets everyone excited. We have great support from great companies and I’m proud of everyone today.”

Sunday’s race will be televised live nationally on NBC and broadcast on MRN Radio. Race coverage begins at 1:30pm (EST).