Justin Labonte made his first Darlington start in last November's Busch Series race and finished 19th. It was a strong run considering that the first practice was cut short due to rain and qualifying was stopped halfway into the session. All told, Justin only got in six laps with a qualifying set up and 13 laps in race trim before the race. Justin used his head and was able to stay out of trouble in a race that saw eight cautions take up 32 of the race’s 147 laps. He did gain the first Darlington stripe of his career with just six laps left in the event when some slower cars forced him low in turn two, getting his car loose and causing him to slightly brush the wall.

Justin's mission at Darlington this week will be tougher than usual. The entry list for the Busch Series race includes 12 of the top 25 drivers in NASCAR Nextel Cup points.

Quoting Justin Labonte:

"I enjoyed racing at Darlington last year. It was a fun track to drive. I just wish we had gotten in more practice laps so I would have been better prepared for the race. The team has a good set up for my Coast Guard Shield of Freedom Chevrolet and I think we will be better when we go back, now that I have more track time. I definitely learned a better line around the track as the race went on last year and having my dad on the radio will be a big help."

Source: www.coastguardracing.com

Date: 5/8/2005 7:23:50 AM