Labonte Survives Rain, Cautions, to Finish 10th in Food City 250

The race, which was stopped twice for rain and was also slowed by multiple cautions, began just after 7:30 p.m. (EDT) and finished about 15 minutes past midnight.

Labonte started 23rd in the No. 19 Hunt’s Chevrolet and was eighth on Lap 72, when rain began falling for the first time. After a more than 1 hour and 30 minute delay, the race restarted and Labonte continued in the top 10 until he had to pit under caution on Lap 141.

Labonte restarted 16th and was up to 13th by the time rain began falling again and the race was stopped for a second time. During the second delay, which lasted just less than an hour, Labonte was interviewed on the TNT national broadcast. During the interview with Dave Burns, Labonte commented that he wouldn’t mind hearing some Jimmy Buffet on the public address system at the racetrack. Moments later, Labonte’s request was met as track officials, who heard the interview, played Buffet’s duet with Alan Jackson, “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere.” As the song began, Labonte’s picture appeared on the NEXTEL Vision TV screens around the racetrack with the words “Requested Jimmy Buffet.”

After the bit of fun, the track became dry and Labonte restarted the race in 13th on Lap 171. He managed to climb up to 10th by the finish.

“We had a pretty decent car and managed to get a top 10,” Labonte said. “It was a little frustrating with the weather, but that’s part of it. We’ve had top 10 runs just about all year in the Busch Series, but we’d really like to get into Victory Lane.”

Labonte will start 42nd in the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Sharpie 500 Aug. 27 at Bristol. He qualified the POWERade FLAVA 23 Chevrolet with a lap of 15.554 seconds, 123.364 mph. His teammates, Tony Stewart and brother, Terry, will start 17th and 39th on Sunday.

The Sharpie 500 starts at 7:30 p.m. (EDT) and will be broadcast live on TNT and PRN.