Inside the Halls of Petty: Racing 'Pink for the Cure'

Racing in circles is a lot of fun. That sounds a little different, but there is nothing I enjoy more than racing a car. Watching my brother, Terry, grow up I wanted nothing more than to do what he was doing. He was always racing, and eventually I was able to step behind the wheel, too. I haven't been able to get out since.

It's something that is in our blood and it's a big part of our family. As a family, my parents, brother and I, it's really the one thing we all did growing up. It was about racing, winning and growing up as a family together. We're close today because of what we are able to enjoy on the weekend. That's something I'm blessed to have in my life.

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But, sometimes it even goes deeper than trying to win the race. Sometimes we can make a bigger difference in what we do for 400 or 500 miles on a weekend. We can affect other people's lives just beyond ourselves. And really, that might be as if, if not more, important.

This weekend is a great example. We're racing a "Pink for the Cure" No. 43 Dodge to raise awareness for breast cancer. October is breast cancer awareness month and our sponsor, General Mills, is teaming up with Susan G. Komen to raise awareness through "Pink for the Cure". It's a campaign that General Mills already donated $2 million to Susan G. Komen for the Cure and offers anyone touched by the disease an opportunity to join the cause.

That's something that is pretty important to be a part of. We're going to making a difference out there this weekend and it's going to go beyond winning the race. Winning the race is going to be our goal, but even if we don't we're making an impact on people's lives. That makes us feel pretty good.

We're really hoping the fans get behind our cause, too. They can log onto www.PinkTogether.com and join a new online community that encourages anyone touched by breast cancer to share their story. It's a good place to find encouragement and for those who need support. Hopefully, every time you see our pink car on the track you remember that. We want to find a cure for this illness.

We're not going to be the only thing you see in pink, either. General Mills products such as Cheerios, Progresso Soup and Nature Valley Granola Bars are going to be wrapped in pink, too. That's just another way for fans to support this cause. They can support these products and help ensure General Mills' continued support of the fight. It's truly amazing to have a sponsor that goes to the level they do to make a difference.

Do I still love racing and winning? No doubt. Do I want to make a difference? Yes. It means something to help out people. I'm going to take it personally and donate my uniform and helmet after this weekend's race. We're going to auction the uniform at www.komen.com and the helmet at www.bobbylabonte.com. I hope we can raise a lot of money in that effort. Racing is great, but it's important we take the time to think about helping others, too. If we do that we are all winners.

See you in Victory Lane,
Bobby Labonte