Labbe released by TRG, replacement to be named

TRG Motorsports on Thursday released Slugger Labbe as crew chief of the No. 71 Chevrolet in the Sprint Cup Series.

Labbe led the first-year Cup Series team to 35 consecutive starts and TRG's first top-10 finish.

Labbe

Labbe's Cup Series experience dates to 1994, when he joined Hendrick Motorsports as the front-tire changer for Terry Labonte before being promoted to car chief in 1995. Labbe helped the team win the Cup Series championship in 1996.

In 1998, Labbe moved to Robert Yates Racing and became crew chief for Kenny Irwin Jr., who won rookie of the year honors.

Midway through the 2001 season, Labbe took a crew chief position with Dale Earnhardt Inc. to led Michael Waltrip team.

In 2005, Labbe joined Evernham Motorsports as crew chief for Jeremy Mayfield before moving on to become crew chief for Sterling Marlin at Ginn Racing.

Labbe eventually joined Red Bull Racing and mentored Scott Speed in his 2008 appearances in the ARCA, Truck and Cup series. Labbe worked also with Michael Annett in select events under Bill Davis Racing in 2008 before joining TRG with driver David Gilliland.

TRG, which will have Bobby Labonte behind the wheel of its car in 2010, is currently in negotiations with several top-level crew chiefs, according to a team release.