T. Labonte returning to Cup Series with Stavola

Two-time Cup Series champion Terry Labonte and longtime team owner Bill Stavola are returning to NASCAR's top series. Stavola Labonte Racing will enter three races in 2010 -- Sept. 11 at Richmond, Oct. 16 at Charlotte and Nov. 7 at Texas -- with an expanded 2011 season will be announced soon.

"Being both a driver and team owner is an exciting next step for me," said Labonte, who will drive the No. 10 Chevrolet and serve as the team's chief operating officer.

Labonte

Stavola, who managed teams with rookies of the year Dick Trickle (1989) and Jeff Burton (1994) and veteran drivers such as Bobby Allison, will serve as the team's chief executive officer after nearly a decade out of the sport.

Stavola and Labonte will receive technology and equipment through a partnership with Richard Childress Racing and Earnhardt-Childress Racing Engines, who will supply RCR-built cars and ECR-built power plants.

Labonte won the 1984 and 1996 Cup Series championships and has 22 wins, 182 top-five finishes and 361 top-10s in 867 starts. He made his series debut on Sept. 4, 1978, at Darlington. He raced fulltime between 1979 and 2004. His most recent start was in the 2009 season finale at Homestead.

Bill and Mickey Stavola -- Stavola Brothers Racing -- were a staple in the Cup Series between 1985 and 1997, and posted four victories, three with Allison (including the 1988 Daytona 500) and one with Bobby Hillin Jr. Stavola-backed cars also had 36 top-fives and 114 top-10s in 524 races. The team's final race was on Nov. 8, 1998, at Atlanta with driver Morgan Shepherd.

Gander Mountain will serve as the primary sponsor for all three races this season, with American Cement serving as associate sponsor.

Related:
• B. Labonte eager to climb back into a contender