Former champ Labonte to drive No. 55 at Infineon

CORNELIUS, N.C. -- Michael Waltrip Racing announced Tuesday that two-time Cup Series champion Terry Labonte will step into the No. 55 Toyota for the road course races at Infineon Raceway and Watkins Glen International.

"It's not an easy decision for me to remove myself from the car, but I know it is for the betterment of our whole program," Waltrip said. "I know Terry's experience and road-race savvy will breathe a breath of fresh air into my young NAPA team."

Labonte has had success at road-course tracks, finishing third at Infineon last year and he also has six top-10 finishes at Watkins Glen.

"To put Terry in the car is a reflection of the big picture we are trying to establish with this NAPA Racing team and I know this will be a spark this team needs," Waltrip said.

"I look forward to watching the NAPA team compete and learning more about all the MWR cars from a different perspective, exclusively as an owner."

Waltrip's sponsor supports his decision.

"NAPA appreciates and respects Michael's dedication to move our racing program forward and regain our on-track competitive edge," NAPA president Bob Susor said.

"We thank him for his efforts and dedication to NAPA and welcome the addition of NASCAR champion Terry Labonte to the NAPA family for these road-course events."

Waltrip has failed to qualify for 12 of 14 races this season, his first as a car owner. The season began with the No. 55 team's primary car being confiscated as a result of rule violations found during pre- and post-qualifying inspection for the Daytona 500.

Crew chief David Hyder and the team's vice president of competition Bobby Kennedy were suspended indefinitely and Hyder also was fined $100,000. NASCAR also penalized Waltrip with the loss of 100 driver points. His qualifying time from pole day on Feb. 11 was disallowed, though he did qualify for the Daytona 500 and finished 30th.

The actions taken by NASCAR resulted from violations of 12- 4-A (actions detrimental to stock car racing), 12-4-Q (car, car parts components and/or equipment not conforming to NASCAR rules) and 20-15.2C (gasoline must not be blended with alcohols, ethers or other oxygenates).

Hyder eventually was released by MWR and joined Bill Davis Racing.

Waltrip will return to his Toyota for the Lenox Industrial Tool 300 on July 1 at New Hampshire.