Catchfence

Car to Carry Memorial Decal for Slain New York Ballerina

Statesville, N.C. (August 9, 2011) - Two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Terry Labonte will return to Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International for the first time since 2007 – and he’ll do it for the first time in the seat of the No. 38 Long John Silver’s Ford. “Texas Terry” has had solid runs in his career at the 2.45-mile road course, earning two poles, three top-5 finishes and six top-10 finishes at the track.

The No. 38 Ford will also carry a special message at the Glen. The car will feature a decal to raise awareness for the Jenni-Lyn Watson Memorial Fund. The 20-year-old college student and aspiring ballerina from Central New York was tragically murdered last November in a case that drew national attention.

A website URL printed below the decal (www.cnycf.org/watson) will remind Central New York race fans to visit and donate to the memorial fund. The fund will be used to create opportunities for local children and teens that have a passion for the art of dance.

Comments from No. 38 Long John Silver’s Ford team driver Terry Labonte heading to Watkins Glen:

“It’s great to jump into the 38 car for Front Row Motorsports. We’d been talking about it for a bit and Frankie (Stoddard) already had something lined up for the No. 32 anyway, so I was happy to have the opportunity to go racing. I’ve always liked going up to Watkins Glen and running up there. I haven’t run there in a couple years, so it’ll be great to be back. It’s been too long.

“I had some really good runs there in the past. I won some Nationwide races and won the pole there in the Cup car before. I’ve come close, some seconds and thirds, but I never won a Cup race. Just missed. I know that was a few years ago and the competition’s tough, but having a lot of good experience always helps at a road course. It helps with your comfort factor behind the wheel. So, I’m looking forward to going up there. I’ve always enjoyed running the track.

“One special thing about going to Watkins Glen and driving for Front Row Motorsports is that we’re going to carry a logo on the car that is for a memorial fund for Jenni-Lyn Watson, who is not with us anymore. She was a dancer and this fund is to try to help young aspiring artists that want to be dancers and things like that. By doing this we’re bring some awareness to the Jenni-Lyn Watson Memorial Fund and trying to make people aware of that and to raise some funds for some other young students interested in the arts.”

About Front Row Motorsports:
Front Row Motorsports is a Statesville, N.C.-based race team in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Formed in 2005 by restaurant entrepreneur Bob Jenkins, the team has competed in NASCAR racing in each year since its inception, expanding full-time to the premier Sprint Cup Series in 2009. The team partners with Ford Racing and Roush-Yates Racing Engines to field the No. 34 Taco Bell Ford driven by David Gilliland, the No. 38 Long John Silver’s Ford driven by Travis Kvapil and the No. 55 Front Row Motorsports Ford driven by J.J. Yeley.

- Breaking Limits Marketing for Front Row Motorsports, Press Release