Labonte, Gibbs sign five-year contract extension

Bobby Labonte and Joe Gibbs Racing recently signed a contract that will keep Labonte in the No. 18 Chevrolet through the end of the 2008 season.

	Bobby Labonte

Labonte's old contract wasn't due to run out until next year, but the driver and owner renegotiated it anyway.

Labonte joined JGR in 1995 and has won 20 races and the 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup title during his tenure there. This season, Labonte has returned to championship-contender status, winning at Atlanta Motor Speedway and standing fourth in the series standings, 260 points behind Matt Kenseth.

Financial terms of the extension were not disclosed.

"I feel great that I know where I am going to be driving for quite a few more years," Labonte said. "Joe, Pat (Joe's wife), J.D. and Coy (Joe's sons) have all been wonderful to work with and work for, and they have made me feel like a part of their family since day one.

"I am very blessed to have been able to drive for Joe and be a part of such a great organization.

BOBBY LABONTE  •  Driver Page  •  2003 Stats  •  Driver vs. Driver  •  Fan Club

"He has taught me a lot over the nine years I have been here, not only about myself, but also more importantly about being a good Christian, a good husband and a good father. The wins we have shared and the championship are really incredible, but I appreciate those life lessons he has taught me more than anything else."

Labonte replaced Dale Jarrett in the No. 18 in 1995, and he quickly established himself as a top Winston Cup driver. Labonte won three times that season and has won at least once every year since.

In 283 career starts for Gibbs, Labonte has 101 top-five finishes and 163 top-10s.

To keep Labonte in the car for at least five more years is a big accomplishment for Gibbs.

	Joe Gibbs

"Bobby is a class act," Gibbs said. "He is a guy that every kid in the country can look up to and every parent can feel good about. He has done a superb job for us, and I don't think I could ever thank him enough for what he has meant to Joe Gibbs Racing.

"We are happy to be able to make this announcement about Bobby staying with us for a while, and we hope that shows our level of commitment to the fans, our employees and most importantly our sponsors that we will continue to field the most competitive teams in the industry."

The championship in 2000 was the pairing's crowning jewel. Labonte won four races that year and failed to finish an amazing nine laps out of a possible 10,237.

"I jokingly mentioned during my speech following our championship in 2000 that if Joe wanted, he could go ahead and sign me up to a lifetime contract," recalled Labonte. "I just feel very fortunate that Joe and J.D. felt the same way as I did about going ahead and getting this taken care of now so it was not hanging over anyone's head next year.

"I am really excited and really happy and plan on adding many more trophies to the mantle over the coming years with Joe Gibbs Racing."