#43-Bobby Labonte will drive the 2004 Dodge Intrepid instead of the Charger in next week’s Nextel Cup race at California. “Bobby came straight out of the Chevy into the Dodge camp,” said Labonte’s teammate/owner Kyle Petty. “He’s not run a downforce Dodge car. So he’s going to give us an honest assessment of where the Intrepid is compared to where the Monte Carlo is. For us, we feel it’s a great opportunity for us to be able to use a driver of his caliber and say this is what it is.” All of the Dodge teams are gathering data on the Charger for a test at Kentucky Speedway next month. The first test earlier this month was canceled due to weather, putting the teams further behind. If no solution is found, Dodge owners hope NASCAR will grant them some concessions on the spoiler to create more downforce. #12-Ryan Newman will race the Intrepid in the next five races.(NASCAR.com)(2-19-2006)
