Dustin Long

From Daytona to California, Dustin Long covers the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Read all of his stories on PilotOnline.com's Auto Racing channel. He also writes a regular column for SportsIllustrated.com. Follow him on Twitter.

Labonte to stay with Pettys

Bobby Labonte has agreed to a contract extension, according to a report by The Associated Press, citing an unidentified source. The report also stated that portions of the deal, including sponsorship, are still being completed.

 

Robbie Loomis, team executive for Petty Enterprises, wouldn't confirm or deny the report Saturday at Richmond. Loomis did say: "I'm 100 percent confident Bobby Labonte is going to be with us, moving forward.''

 

That would take Labonte and Edwarsd off the free-agent market this weekend. Tony Stewart, who said little about his contract status this week, remains the big unknown -- if he'll stay at Joe Gibbs Racing or go and if he leaves when? After this year or after 2009 when his contract expires. Those unsigned include Ryan Newman and Martin Truex Jr.

COMMENTS ADVISORY: Users are solely responsible for opinions they post here; comments do not reflect the views of The Virginian-Pilot or its websites. Users must follow agreed-upon rules: Be civil, be clean, be on topic; don't attack private individuals, other users or classes of people. Read the full rules here.
- Comments are automatically checked for inappropriate language, but readers might find some comments offensive or inaccurate. If you believe a comment violates our rules, click the report violation link below it.


Toolbox