The United States Coast Guard announced today that it intends to extend its partnership with Labonte Motorsports and driver Justin Labonte to encompass a full 35-race schedule in the 2005 NASCAR Busch Series season. Justin, 23, is currently running the Shield of Freedom #44 car in a 15-race schedule under Coast Guard sponsorship this season. The Coast Guard entered into this years partnership as a unique opportunity to showcase the Coast Guard and tell our story to an unprecedented audience of potential recruits and those that influence them, said Admiral Thomas Collins, Commandant of the Coast Guard. Justin, Terry, Bobby and the entire Labonte Motorsports organization have been true class acts throughout the season. Its clear that we made the right choice in partnering with a family and team whose values and traditions mirror those of the Coast Guard family. We are looking forward to extending our partnership into the 2005 season.
Justin Labonte said that he couldnt be more thrilled with his Coast Guard association. Ive visited a lot of Coast Guard units and theres still a lot of neat stuff that I havent seen, so Im looking forward to more visits. I couldnt ask for a better sponsor. Its been a lot of fun., he said. And being able to race a full schedule is so important to being a successful team, he added. You just cant make the same progress running a limited schedule, so were very excited about racing every week and making a run at the championship with the Shield of Freedom #44.
Justin’s father Terry Labonte and his uncle Bobby Labonte have been full participants in the partnership which is aimed at enhancing the Coast Guard’s recruiting and outreach missions. The three Labonte drivers also serve as spokesmen in TV and print public service announcements for the Coast Guards 2004 National Boating Safety Campaign. The Coast Guard has also been impressed with the race teams talent and dedication which resulted in Justin putting the Shield of Freedon #44 in Victory Lane at Chicagoland Speedway July 10. With only eight full-time employees working in excess of 12-hour days getting the car ready to race, its reminiscent of our Coast Guard crews and the hours they work in service to America, Collins said.(Labonte Motorsports PR)(9-3-2004)
