Catchfence

Brad Neat

The championship organization announced today that it will expand to a two-car operation in 2010. Dunnville, Ky., native Brad Neat will join BLR to drive the No. 41 Dirt Late Model for a full season of competition beginning in 2010. Neat will run in addition to five-time national Late Model Dirt Series champion Earl Pearson Jr., who will continue to pilot the No. 44 BLR Dodge Charger.

At only 29 years of age, Neat has already tallied more than 30 dirt late model victories, including wins at Eldora (OH) Speedway and Kentucky Lake Motor Speedway.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Bobby Labonte Racing,” said Neat. “They have top-notch equipment and great people working there – everything a driver looks for in an organization. Bobby (Labonte) does everything first class. I know that each time I get behind the wheel, I’ll be in a car capable of winning.”

“Obviously, it will be great to have a teammate like Earl (Pearson Jr.) on my side,” continued Neat. “His experience and abilities will be a huge resource and a help to me as I grow as a driver. I can’t wait for 2010 to roll around and get the season started.”

Neat was a five-time winner in 2009 including two wins on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. He finished this past season seventh in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series championship standings. Neat was also the 2002 track champion at Bluegrass (KY) Speedway. The addition of Neat will mark the first time that BLR will compete with a second entry.

“Adding Brad (Neat) is the next step in growing this organization,” said team owner Bobby Labonte. “The opportunity came to have Brad join the organization and it made sense to take this next step. His success in the past and this season make us confident that he can immediately win races for us. He will be a welcomed addition to Earl and the rest of the organization.”

Neat will make his debut with BLR February 1 when the team travels to Florida for the 34th annual DART Winternationals.

About Bobby Labonte Racing

BLR is located in Archdale, N.C., and owned by 2000 NASCAR Champion Bobby Labonte. The team was formed in 2007 and immediately won back-to-back Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series championships. The team will become a two-car operation in 2010 with the addition of driver Brad Neat. The organization is sponsored by Lucas Slick Mist, Lucas Oil, Sunoco Race Fuels, Coca-Cola, ALLSTAR, Tiger Rear Ends, BERT, Butlerbuilt, Hyperco, Moroso, SHY, Wilwood, Sweet, TWM, Dyers Top Rods, Weld Wheels, Bell, Sparco, Oakley, Hoosier Tire, PRC, Mechanix Wear, Stealth Carburetors, Wrisco Aluminum, Larry Wallace Engines, Dunn-Benson Racing Supply, ASI Racewear, The Decal Source, Wiles Racing Driveshafts, WRT Web Designs and WD Enterprises.

- Bobby Labonte Racing Press Release