Two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Terry Labonte has teamed up with veteran team owner Bill Stavola for a return to NASCAR's top series. Stavola Labonte Racing will enter three races this fall – Sept. 11 at Richmond, Oct. 16 at Charlotte and Nov. 7 at Texas – and the team plans an expanded program for the 2011 season.
"Being both a driver and team owner is an exciting next step for me," said Labonte, who will serve as the COO of the team as well as drive its No. 10 Chevrolet.
Stavola, who is the CEO of the new squad, managed teams with Rookies of the Year Dick Trickle (1989) and Jeff Burton (1994) as well as veteran drivers such as Bobby Allison. However, he has been out of the sport for nearly a decade.
Stavola Labonte Racing 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 engines.
“Bill and Terry have been good friends of mine for a long time, so I'm happy to be working with them on this program,” said Richard Childress. “RCR race cars and ECR engines are a strong combination right now and we're always working to get even better. With Bill's knowledge as a team owner and Terry's talent, I'm confident Stavola Labonte Racing has the pieces in place to be competitive right from the start.”