Dollar General Stores Team Has Top-10 Run in Kansas

KANSAS CITY, KS (October 2, 2006) - Bobby Labonte debuted behind the wheel of the No. 77 Dollar General stores Chevrolet with a ninth-place finish in Saturday's Yellow Transportation 300 Busch Series race. After starting 32nd, he quickly worked his way into the top-20, sitting in 16th position less than 20 laps into the event. Despite a scare late in the race and being forced into the infield grass by a competitor with less than 60 laps to go, Labonte held on and advanced a number of spots in the final laps to cross the stripe in ninth.

The Dollar General stores team participated in two practice sessions on Friday afternoon. Adjusting the handling during first practice, Labonte picked up speed at the conclusion of final practice, posting the eighth fastest time.

Qualifying was scheduled for Saturday morning and the Dollar General stores car drew the 10th position to go out. The sun warmed the track and made the car feel extremely loose to Labonte’s liking.

The Dollar General stores machine would line up 32nd in the field, but quickly gained momentum towards the front. By lap 10, Labonte had already moved into the top-20 and broken into the top-15 by lap 16.

Labonte maintained a top-15 position through the rest of the race. True teamwork was shown between Labonte and Tony Stewart, driver of the No. 33 Old Spice car. Several times during the race the two drivers discussed strategy over the team radio. On lap 147 Labonte was racing in pack of cars when teammate Stewarts’ machine wiggled causing other competitors to check up in front of the Dollar General stores machine.

Driving through the front stretch grass, Labonte maintained control of the car and returned to racing. Almost 20 laps passed and Labonte brought the Monte Carlo SS down pit road for repairs on lap 164. The right front fender and valance of the car was pushed up, causing tire smoke off the right front tire.

Within the last 30 laps of the event, the field would see four more caution flag conditions. Labonte picked up a few more positions to finish in the ninth-position.

KHI Busch Series teams will enjoy a weekend away from the track. The Dollar General stores machine will return to action at Lowe’s (N.C.) Motor Speedway for the Dollar General 300 under the lights on Friday, October 13.