Bobby Labonte Racing (BLR)

For Neat and the No. 41 Red Buck Filtered Cigars Chevrolet team, they are looking forward to heading back to a track they are very familiar with and have had a great deal of success at. “The Bluegrass Bullet” and his team have multiple wins at the Bluegrass Speedway including a track championship in 2002. The team will be considered a favorite Saturday night.

Earl Pearson Jr. and the No. 44 Lucas Oil Dodge team are looking to keep their streak of 11 top-10 finishes alive. The team hasn’t finished outside the top 10 since the first of July. The streak also has included a stretch of four consecutive wins and eight top-five finishes. The team is third in the national championship standings.

Team Manager Jason Fitzgerald Comments on Brad Neat’s Success at Bluegrass Speedway, Racing at Your Home Track and Keeping the Streak Alive:

“We are really excited about this weekend. Bluegrass is the track for Brad. I mean, he’s the “Bluegrass Bullet”, right? He has so much experience and success there that I think they put his name on the owner’s title of the track. So, we know his confidence will be high and he may just whoop everyone from here until next week. Hopefully he’ll give Earl a chance to at least finish second. Seriously though, we have high hopes for Brad and the Red Buck team Saturday night.

“Any time you go to a guy’s home track, it’s great. For them to have the self-confidence that you are going to have a solid performance, it’s good for the whole team and organization. It gets everyone excited. They know the track and where they are most comfortable racing the car. There’s no feeling like going to your home track, where you grew up and seeing friends and family cheering for you. It’s going to be great for Brad.

“Earl almost brought home another win last weekend. He didn’t get it, but it was another top-10 finish. The Lucas Oil team is just streaking right now. We’re trying to win the championship and the consistency is there with that team. This summer has been one of the best for Bobby Labonte Racing since we have had the dirt team. It’s been great. We don’t want to jinx it. The guys just need to keep doing what they are doing.”

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 Red Buck Filtered Cigars, Lucas Oil, Sunoco Race Fuels, Coca-Cola, ALLSTAR, Tiger Rear Ends, BERT, Butlerbuilt, Hyperco, SHY, Wilwood, Sweet, TWM, Dyers Top Rods, Weld Wheels, Bell, Hoosier Tire, PRC, Mechanix Wear, Braswel, Larry Wallace Engines, Dunn-Benson Racing Supply, ASI Racewear, Xtreme Graphics, Hank Thomas Performance, Wiles Drive Shafts, MasterBilt Race Cars, Bazel Race Fuels, Mason Racin, Racing Optics, TNT Energy, Cornet Racing Engines and WD Enterprises.

- Breaking Limits / Bobby Labonte Racing Pres Release

Bobby Labonte Racing (BLR)

The Lucas Oil Late Model series is nearing the end of the season with only 11 events remaining. BLR has had a strong season thus far with team drivers Brad Neat and Earl Pearson Jr. The team has scored 37 top-10 finishes, 22 top-five finishes and taken eight trips to victory lane.

BLR has also found success with their new in-house Longhorn Chassis. The chassis made its debut during last weekend’s North-South Duel in Florence with a second-place finish by Pearson and 12th by Neat. The team again plans to race the chassis this weekend and finish the season with it.

The No. 44 Lucas Oil Dodge team is currently third in the Championship battle only 25 points out of second place, Jimmy Owens.

Neat posted another top-15 last weekend finishing 12th at Florence. The No. 41 Red Buck Filtered Cigars Chevrolet team is looking to break into the top-10 this weekend to gain momentum to finish the season in the top-10 in the Lucas Oil Championship standings.

Team Manager Jason Fitzgerald Comments on Last Weekend’s Results with the New Chassis and the Championship Standing Outlook:

“Both our teams did really well this past weekend and we’re happy with the new chassis. It kept up all night and proved that it’s fast and we can win with it. We’re going to keep tweaking on it, but out of the box we don’t have any major issues. Earl was really close to winning with it, but it’s going to come.

“We are happy with our results and hope to take this good luck to Batesville this weekend. We thought Earl had the win, but we got beat coming out of Turn Four with one to go. Once Jimmy Owens got past us he was gone. Still, it’s a good debut for the Longhorn.

“This weekend is another big money race for BLR. We were so close to it last weekend. It would’ve been nice to bring that back to the shop. We’ll definitely make a run at it again this weekend. We have two great drivers’ out there and the guys have done a great job back at the shop with all the changes and new chassis.

“We’re still aiming to win the championship. Earl has seven wins this year and we’ve proved that this team can win it. The competition is very tough in this series so it’s about being consistent. We’re happy with the way things are going. “Brad had another good finish this weekend. We are having consistent finishes with his team, but would really like to get top-10 finishes. We are right on the outside, so a few changes, and I think we’ll be good. We are determined to get him in the top-10 in championship points and we aren’t far behind.”

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 Red Buck Filtered Cigars, Lucas Oil, Sunoco Race Fuels, Coca-Cola, ALLSTAR, Tiger Rear Ends, BERT, Butlerbuilt, Hyperco, SHY, Wilwood, Sweet, TWM, Dyers Top Rods, Weld Wheels, Bell, Hoosier Tire, PRC, Mechanix Wear, Braswel, Larry Wallace Engines, Dunn-Benson Racing Supply, ASI Racewear, Xtreme Graphics, Hank Thomas Performance, Wiles Drive Shafts, MasterBilt Race Cars, Bazel Race Fuels, Mason Racin, Racing Optics, TNT Energy, Cornet Racing Engines and WD Enterprises.

- Bobby Labonte Racing Press Release

Bobby Labonte Racing (BLR)

The Lucas Oil Late Model series is nearing the end of the season with only 11 events remaining. BLR has had a strong season thus far with team drivers Brad Neat and Earl Pearson Jr. The team has scored 37 top-10 finishes, 22 top-five finishes and taken eight trips to victory lane.

BLR has also found success with their new in-house Longhorn Chassis. The chassis made its debut during last weekend’s North-South Duel in Florence with a second-place finish by Pearson and 12th by Neat. The team again plans to race the chassis this weekend and finish the season with it.

The No. 44 Lucas Oil Dodge team is currently third in the Championship battle only 25 points out of second place, Jimmy Owens.

Neat posted another top-15 last weekend finishing 12th at Florence. The No. 41 Red Buck Filtered Cigars Chevrolet team is looking to break into the top-10 this weekend to gain momentum to finish the season in the top-10 in the Lucas Oil Championship standings.

Team Manager Jason Fitzgerald Comments on Last Weekend’s Results with the New Chassis and the Championship Standing Outlook:

“Both our teams did really well this past weekend and we’re happy with the new chassis. It kept up all night and proved that it’s fast and we can win with it. We’re going to keep tweaking on it, but out of the box we don’t have any major issues. Earl was really close to winning with it, but it’s going to come.

“We are happy with our results and hope to take this good luck to Batesville this weekend. We thought Earl had the win, but we got beat coming out of Turn Four with one to go. Once Jimmy Owens got past us he was gone. Still, it’s a good debut for the Longhorn.

“This weekend is another big money race for BLR. We were so close to it last weekend. It would’ve been nice to bring that back to the shop. We’ll definitely make a run at it again this weekend. We have two great drivers’ out there and the guys have done a great job back at the shop with all the changes and new chassis.

“We’re still aiming to win the championship. Earl has seven wins this year and we’ve proved that this team can win it. The competition is very tough in this series so it’s about being consistent. We’re happy with the way things are going.

“Brad had another good finish this weekend. We are having consistent finishes with his team, but would really like to get top-10 finishes. We are right on the outside, so a few changes, and I think we’ll be good. We are determined to get him in the top-10 in championship points and we aren’t far behind.”

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 Red Buck Filtered Cigars, Lucas Oil, Sunoco Race Fuels, Coca-Cola, ALLSTAR, Tiger Rear Ends, BERT, Butlerbuilt, Hyperco, SHY, Wilwood, Sweet, TWM, Dyers Top Rods, Weld Wheels, Bell, Hoosier Tire, PRC, Mechanix Wear, Braswel, Larry Wallace Engines, Dunn-Benson Racing Supply, ASI Racewear, Xtreme Graphics, Hank Thomas Performance, Wiles Drive Shafts, MasterBilt Race Cars, Bazel Race Fuels, Mason Racin, Racing Optics, TNT Energy, Cornet Racing Engines and WD Enterprises

- Breaking Limits Press Release

Bobby Labonte Racing (BLR)

BLR and the series visited Florence earlier this summer when Pearson Jr. came away with a victory. Neat, unfortunately, did not move on to the feature race in June, but did learn plenty about the track as they prepare for this weekend.

Pearson Jr. is coming off of an eighth-place finish at the World of Outlaws (WoO) USA Nationals last weekend at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wisc. That performance, among the best late model teams and drivers, and picking up the win earlier at Florence, has the No. 44 Lucas Oil Dodge team ready for this weekend’s event.

“The Bluegrass Bullet”, Neat will be racing in his home state of Kentucky looking to rebound from his June race results. The No. 41 Red Buck Filtered Cigars Chevrolet team is ready for another solid performance. The team has finished in the top-15 in five out of the past six races.

Team Manager Jason Fitzgerald Comments on Pearson Jr. at the WoO Event and Returning to Florence Speedway:

“Earl and the team did such a great job this past weekend. We had a really great time running against the World of Outlaw guys. They are some of the best dirt racers, and it’s reassuring for our race team to be able to compete against them like we did. We had a solid race and it gives us momentum for this weekend.

“We are definitely excited to head back to Florence Speedway. With Earl winning there in June, it makes us that much more excited to get back there and race. We will be sure to have both our cars set up right and make a run for the win.

“Brad’s team has been having consistent finishes over the past six weeks, and we are glad we have been able to make the right changes to get Brad comfortable. Since we missed the feature with him in June, we will definitely do what it takes to get him in the field. He has had past success there before so we’ll be sure to get him in the show.

“This is a big race for BLR. There is big money involved and it would be great to be able to bring this back to BLR. The summer stretch isn’t over yet, and we still have a lot of racing to do. We have had our ups and downs so far this season, but we are really looking to finish out the season with solid consistent runs. I think our guys are on the right track.”

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 Red Buck Filtered Cigars, Lucas Oil, Sunoco Race Fuels, Coca-Cola, ALLSTAR, Tiger Rear Ends, BERT, Butlerbuilt, Hyperco, SHY, Wilwood, Sweet, TWM, Dyers Top Rods, Weld Wheels, Bell, Hoosier Tire, PRC, Mechanix Wear, Braswel, Larry Wallace Engines, Dunn-Benson Racing Supply, ASI Racewear, Xtreme Graphics, Hank Thomas Performance, Wiles Drive Shafts, MasterBilt Race Cars, Bazel Race Fuels, Mason Racin, Racing Optics, TNT Energy, Cornet Racing Engines and WD Enterprises

- Bobby Labonte Racing Press Release

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