[Robertdjr]

Bobby Labonte will drive the #41 Target Chevrolet for Earnhardt-Ganassi Racing in 2009, joining Martin Truex, Jr., Juan Pablo Montoya and Aric Almirola as part of a newly merged, four-car team.

Labonte has not commented since announcing his split from Petty Enterprises last week, and the new Earnhardt-Ganassi operation remains in a virtual media lockdown. However, multiple sources close to the situation tell Sirius Speedway that a deal to put Labonte in the #41 is signed, sealed and delivered, after receiving the approval of sponsor Target. Work has already begun on the necessary promotional infrastructure -- photo shoots, marketing campaigns, ancillary programs, etc. -- for the coming season.

The Motorsports Soapbox: Labonte To Drive #41 Target Chevrolet

[Jeffrey4396]

Well as soon as we get official word from BLab I will change my username for a third time. Lol. I heard there may even be a number change. If so I wouldn't mind if he went back to 44 like he used in his bgn days. Plus 44 has always been the Labontes number. I am sure it is available with the up coming GEM PE merger.

[shaigler79]

Wow...didn't see that coming. I am hoping this will rejuvinate his career. He is a great asset.

[LSC9901]

Hi Shaigler79 and welcome to the NASCAR Forum at GTG. I'm sure you'll find this a great place to chat NASCAR. Is bobby one of your favorite drivers ??? How did you happen to find us ?

[BiscuitMan]

From Jayski's This Afternoon:

UPDATE: been told Labonte has talked to Earnhardt Ganassi Racing about the #41 ride, but is not close to signing and is still entertaining other offers and rides.

Evidently, there's been no official announcement of filling the seat of the No. 41. Of all the available rides, the No. 41 may be the best option. I wonder what Bobby Labonte may be considering?

[Jeffrey4396]

Maybe RCR is going to release Mears? Maybe Stewie is stepping up with a third team? Maybe Gibbs is going to put together that 4th team and want Bobby to finish his career there. hey one can dream!

if the rumor that he is getting other offers is true that is really interesting. i didnt think there were any other available full time rides.

[BiscuitMan]

Unless - Chrysler (even thought they are fighting for survival) wants more teams to field Dodges. They may be pushing GEM to create that 4th team and then there's that possibility that Chrysler wants Penske to have a 4th team.

Could be that they want Bobby Labonte in a Dodge in 2009.

[Jeffrey4396]

Originally Posted by BiscuitMan

Unless - Chrysler (even thought they are fighting for survival) wants more teams to field Dodges. They may be pushing GEM to create that 4th team and then there's that possibility that Chrysler wants Penske to have a 4th team.

Could be that they want Bobby Labonte in a Dodge in 2009.

Well assuming the merger between GEM and PE goes down then Bobby was just released from that 4th GEM ride to make room for The Dinger. Also with Dodge announcing cutting back 30% of there Nascar funding I don't think they are pushing any team to create a ride for Bobby.

[BiscuitMan]

Originally Posted by Jeffrey4396

Well assuming the merger between GEM and PE goes down then Bobby was just released from that 4th GEM ride to make room for The Dinger. Also with Dodge announcing cutting back 30% of there Nascar funding I don't think they are pushing any team to create a ride for Bobby.

That 30% was most likely the amount funded for the Ganassi team, Nationwide, and trucks. The Nationwide teams has been reduced and the trucks have been eliminated from the Dodge program. Ganassi has now moved over to Chevrolet. Dodge will still have a sizable NASCAR budget.

[Jeffrey4396]

Yeah I think Dodge in cup will be fine, but I just don't see them pushing an owner to pick BLab up. If anything I could see Chevy pushing Chip and Theresa to sing BLab to the 41. That would put two of their past Champs back in Chevys next year in BLab and Stewie.

[Jeffrey4396]

So apparently according to jayskis the deal is on hold because Bobby is waiting on a sponsor to pull through for him so he can take with him. If this were true than it is very very interesting. So he has a sponsor to go with him to the 41 but not to stay at the 43? Also if he is going to take a sponsor to the 41 does this mean they are going to move target to someone else? Can't wait to see how this one plays out.

[BiscuitMan]

Keep in mind that Bobby Labonte owns the "public relations" company Breaking Limits. He should have several people working to gain sponsors for him and other NASCAR drivers.

I would hope that he's not trying to bring Wells Fargo from the Petty camp to EGR. That would really burn a bridge or two. He has already scorched several General Mills products by moving their brands from Petty to Childress.

[Racer Duck]

shoot, I might was well start a rumor that popped into my brain as I drove thru a cloud of left handed cigarette smoke engulfing an intersection populated with 50 flower vendor chimneys: Bobby's waiting for DeWalt to jump the Cat in the Hat's ship and ditch the Blue Oval for a brand that dearly needs his help (Bowtie, of course!)

wonder how long before that one shows up on Jayski or NASCAR Now?

[Jeffrey4396]

Originally Posted by BiscuitMan

Keep in mind that Bobby Labonte owns the "public relations" company Breaking Limits. He should have several people working to gain sponsors for him and other NASCAR drivers.

I would hope that he's not trying to bring Wells Fargo from the Petty camp to EGR. That would really burn a bridge or two. He has already scorched several General Mills products by moving their brands from Petty to Childress.

and how exactly is Bobby to blame for GMillls jumping ship to RCR? if that was his fault he would be drining the 33 next year.

[BiscuitMan]

Originally Posted by Jeffrey4396

and how exactly is Bobby to blame for GMillls jumping ship to RCR? if that was his fault he would be driving the 33 next year.

Bobby's public relations firm (Breaking Limits) represents General Mills. Breaking Limits was instrumental in moving their sponsorship from Petty to Childress. I'm sure his people at Breaking Limits was not trying to promote Bobby as a driver to Childress. They were getting the best available car to put the General Mills brands advertisement on. The No. 33 fits the bill.

Bobby has a lot of sideline businesses and race teams. He's a NASCAR driver, but I don't think he lets that set the directions of his other business enterprises.