[Robertdjr]

Bobby Labonte has been released from his contract at Petty Enterprises – just six months after he signed a four-year contract extension when Boston Ventures purchased a majority interest in the organization from Richard Petty.

The move comes as the storied team acknowledged that it is in merger talks with Gillett Evernham Motorsports.

“Bobby is a true champion who never failed to give everything he had when he was behind the wheel of one of our race cars,” said Richard Petty in a statement. “We wish him nothing but the very best in his future endeavors.”

The 2000 Cup champion could end up at the new Earnhardt Ganassi Racing team, which still has a seat open in the No. 41 car with Target sponsorship.

SceneDaily Story

[thunderfoot]

I wonder if we are in a "post " silly season. Or do we qualify for being in the regular season? Hmm, seems the possibilities could boggle the mind a bit. Just as the happenings we hear about going on now.

[oncea3fan]

shame this didn't come before RCR put Mears in the 07, bobby could have stay with general mills and clint with jack

[Jeffrey4396]

Originally Posted by oncea3fan

shame this didn't come before RCR put Mears in the 07, bobby could have stay with general mills and clint with jack

As a Labonte fan I am happy he is released from the mess that is PE. However I am ☻☻☻☻ed he didn't see the writing on the wall sooner and search for a better ride before they were filled.

I wonder if it is too late to release Mears. If I were RCR I'd rather have Bobby and his experience over Mears and his lame excuse for driving.

[Phils20]

While I'm sad to see him not driving, I think it was for the best.

I hope that if he can't get into a decent ride, that he just retires.

I don't want to see him driving for HOF, or any other third or fourth level team, like Bill Elliot and Terry have prostituted themselves out for.

Enjoy your life Bobby, driving isn't worth it!3

Hell, I'd even like to see him in a truck, that might be fun, if the right team is there.

No nationwide, leave that crap to the full time guys that need the trophy, you already have one!

[wingkey1]

Only feeling of "surprise" here is in the apparent messaged feeling/decision at GEM that they may see no greater value in him than the pilots they already have.

Actually this possibly good that he is essentially/apparently "released" from any Chrysler ties. Their coffin appears already built.

A real "nail" was placed by Dodd (head of a govt. committee hearing the pleas of the Blind Three) as he said for all the major news channels to hear and see and broadcast repeatedly (paraphrasing follows) - Chrysler is over. They will either go belly up or be acquired/merged. Was a bit dumbfounded at/by the comment. If Chrysler wasn't already "dead", they most assuredly are now.

[Jeffrey4396]

Well my guts says he'll go to the 41 ride, but my heart hopes that some how he ends up in a Stewart Haas ride.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by wingkey1

Only feeling of "surprise" here is in the apparent messaged feeling/decision at GEM that they may see no greater value in him than the pilots they already have.

Actually this possibly good that he is essentially/apparently "released" from any Chrysler ties. Their coffin appears already built.

A real "nail" was placed by Dodd (head of a govt. committee hearing the pleas of the Blind Three) as he said for all the major news channels to hear and see and broadcast repeatedly (paraphrasing follows) - Chrysler is over. They will either go belly up or be acquired/merged. Was a bit dumbfounded at/by the comment. If Chrysler wasn't already "dead", they most assuredly are now.

Totally agree. My on;y observation is that Chris Dodd and the rest of the government "experts" should be on the opposite side of the table and being questioned, in depth, about their role in the current "Blind Three" economic fiasco by the corporation heads.

[thunderfoot]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

Totally agree. My on;y observation is that Chris Dodd and the rest of the government "experts" should be on the opposite side of the table and being questioned, in depth, about their role in the current "Blind Three" economic fiasco by the corporation heads.

See how they feel if they all of a sudden got their jobs in limbo with a 60 day pink slip.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by thunderfoot

See how they feel if they all of a sudden got their jobs in limbo with a 60 day pink slip.

But, (didn't you get the memo?) they are above all that. They aren't held accountable to the same laws and rules that we mere mortals have to play by. Don't believe that? Just ask a politician, they'll set you straight pronto.

[thunderfoot]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

But, (didn't you get the memo?) they are above all that. They aren't held accountable to the same laws and rules that we mere mortals have to play by. Don't believe that? Just ask a politician, they'll set you straight pronto.

Now that is the only thing I can agree about with a ploitician. Chimps and Blimps. My daffynition of the Congress and Senate.

[Bob Tanner]

Originally Posted by thunderfoot

Now that is the only thing I can agree about with a ploitician. Chimps and Blimps. My daffynition of the Congress and Senate.

Which is why "D.C.," (as in Washington D.C.) actually stands for District of Criminals.

[thunderfoot]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

Which is why "D.C.," (as in Washington D.C.) actually stands for District of Criminals.

I like that one.

[LSC9901]

Originally Posted by Bob Tanner

Which is why "D.C.," (as in Washington D.C.) actually stands for District of Criminals.

As in Marion Barry ???

[GrimlockAutobot]

Originally Posted by Phils20

While I'm sad to see him not driving, I think it was for the best.

I hope that if he can't get into a decent ride, that he just retires.

I don't want to see him driving for HOF, or any other third or fourth level team, like Bill Elliot and Terry have prostituted themselves out for.

Enjoy your life Bobby, driving isn't worth it!3

Hell, I'd even like to see him in a truck, that might be fun, if the right team is there.

No nationwide, leave that crap to the full time guys that need the trophy, you already have one!

Rumor has it he'll be going to the EGR #41 Target Chevrolet for 2009.