Race Preview: Bobby Labonte

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. -- When someone mentions the Darlington Raceway or asks Bobby Labonte a question regarding it, his thoughts

immediately go to the tracks rich history. Considered NASCAR's first superspeedway, Darlington has been around more than 50 years and by some accounts and driver comments heard, you would think the track's surface is that old too.

For Labonte though, the history there is what makes the place so special and when you get him talking about the track surface, he might be one of the few that actually like it and thus enjoys racing there.

"The track just eats tires," smirked Labonte. "It's that simple. The surface there is very course and rough and there are a lot of guys out here who just hate it, which is just fine with me. I always have the attitude that if you hate a track, more than likely you aren't going to run well there either. A lot of this sport can be a mental exercise and you have to be able to go to places like Darlington and Rockingham and just know you are going to be slipping and sliding all day long."

For Labonte, the slipping and sliding is just half the battle. Being a smart racer at Darlington is the key and knowing how to race the racetrack and not the other racecars is critical to be successful there. And being known as a conservative racer by a majority of his peers could be an advantage for Labonte this weekend.

"You don't want to be too conservative," explained Labonte. "The way the races are being run now, you can't lay back too much cause you'll end up getting lapped. On the other side of the fence though, it is very easy to want to race hard against the guys next to you for a position and then before you know it, your tires are junk cause you've worn them out so bad.

"It's hard to find that happy medium sometimes, but that's why I like Darlington so much. It really makes the drivers think and work behind the wheel instead of just getting in a car and holding the throttle wide open."

While the track surface has its share of fans and critics alike, there is one thing all drivers can agree on and that is the tracks unmatched history.

"I know I probably take the history for granted," admitted Labonte. "The place has been there so long and to think of all the great drivers who have competed there and won there as well. The place has an amazing past. I feel fortunate to have won there in the past (2000 Southern 500) and be a part of that. When you think of the history of American motorsports, you always hear the names like Daytona, Indianapolis and Darlington. It's just a natural to be included."