Bobby Labonte is expected to remain driver of the #71 TRG Motorsports Chevy in 2010. An announcement is expected to take place Saturday [morning around 11:00am] at Phoenix International Raceway.(FoxSports)(11-13-2009)
UPDATE: TRG Motorsports announced NASCAR Cup Series Champion Bobby Labonte will be the full-time driver of the #71 TRG Motorsports Chevy for the 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season. Additionally, TaxSlayer.com has signed a multi-race primary sponsorship agreement with TRG for 2010. “I’m really excited about the opportunity that I’ll have next year with both TRG Motorsports and TaxSlayer.com as a sponsor,” Labonte said. “Each time I’ve run with the team this year I’ve enjoyed the experience, and I’m looking forward to filling the seat full time next year and really building on what we’ve started. I have gotten to know the management team at TaxSlayer and they are great people. I am looking forward to representing them next season.” TaxSlayer.com made its debut in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series at this year’s race at Watkins Glen International Raceway, and will have served as the primary sponsor of the #71 a total of six times in 2009, including the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. “Everyone at Taxslayer.com is very excited to continue our relationship with TRG Motorsports and Bobby Labonte,” stated Eubanks. “TRG and TaxSlayer both exhibit a phenomenal product and unbelievable quality. Headed in to next season, we’re looking forward to showcasing our service to the entire NASCAR community, especially as tax season approaches.”(TRG Motorsports)(11-14-2009)
UPDATE 2: Bobby Labonte has signed a one-year contract to drive TRG Motorsports’ car in 2010 — and at least for the season-opening Daytona 500 he’ll have a teammate in TRG’s hoped-for full-time second car. On Saturday morning at Phoenix International Raceway, TRG owner Kevin Buckler and Labonte announced the deal and a 12-race primary sponsorship with TaxSlayer.com, a provider of online tax preparation software, that Buckler hopes will be the first of several.
One of the biggest short-term decisions TRG must make is which car manufacturer to align itself. Buckler said he hopes to have that decision made right after Homestead. “We’re talking to several manufacturers right now, we’re in the middle of some strong negotiations with them, and as usual we have to do what’s best for the team,” Buckler said. “I tend to be very, very loyal about stuff, maybe too much so; but I’ve got a lot of partners and other people to consider here, and our final decision needs to be based on what’s best for TRG Motorsports.”(NASCAR.com)(11-14-2009)
