Sunoco Pit Move: Michigan

BROOKLYN, Mich. -- Putting veteran crew chief Doug Randolph back atop the pit box paid immediate dividends for Bobby Labonte on Tuesday at Michigan International Speedway.

A late-race decision to take on two tires improved the handling of the No. 43 Dodge, allowing Labonte to rally and finish ninth in the rain-delayed 3M Performance 400, his second top-10 finish of the season.

"I'm a competitor, so any time you get up there [on the pit box], it's a lot of fun," Randolph said. "Bobby did an awesome job, these guys did an awesome job and it was a really solid weekend for us. It's a good way to start out."

Labonte hadn't posted a top-10 finish since Phoenix, one reason why Petty Enterprises decided to make a switch to Randolph, who has worked with Dave Blaney, Jimmy Spencer, Scott Riggs and Sterling Marlin.

Labonte promptly went out and qualified fourth, a good omen. However, once the race finally started, Labonte began to drop back. By Lap 60, he had fallen out of the top 10. By the halfway point, he was struggling to stay in the top 20.

"The car was a little off all day," Randolph said. "We just couldn't hang there with the leaders but at the end of the race, we had a couple of cautions and were able to mix it up. We were free most of the race and the last time we pitted, we did two tires and that seemed to help tighten us up. It all came together pretty good."

Labonte was mired in the middle of the field with 40 laps remaining, which led Randolph to sacrifice field position for a better handling car. It paid off, as the changes he made fixed the balance of Labonte's ride.

Labonte, 22nd with 30 laps remaining, was outside of the top 10 when the caution came out for Jeff Gordon's spin on Lap 191 but gained eight positions in the laps following the ensuing restart.

"When we pitted and got the tires, we came out about the same position, maybe even one worse," Randolph said. "But it was just enough to help balance the car out that he could really go."

Labonte was impressed with Randolph's calls throughout the day and now looks forward to finishing off the season on a positive note.

"It worked really well," Labonte said. "I think he works really well with the guys and I've known Doug for a long time.

"I've never worked with him before. I think he has a great demeanor about him. I think that is just what the doctor ordered."