MBNA America 400 - Bobby Labonte Notes

LABONTE KEEPING AN EYE ON HURRICANE ISABEL WHILE PREPARING FOR DOVER THIS WEEKEND

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. (Sept. 16, 2003) - Given the fact that Hurricane Isabel is churning in the Atlantic and is expected to make landfall later this week and possibly impact the racing this weekend at Dover Downs, Bobby Labonte is fully aware that everyone's thoughts aren't on what chassis he might racing this weekend or his thoughts on Dover's lightning fast concrete surface.

Like most other people in the Southeast and along the Eastern seaboard, Labonte is keeping a close eye on the weather forecasts and waiting to see what Mother Nature decides to do in the coming days.

"I'm watching the storm like everyone else is," said Labonte. "They (NASCAR) told is in the driver's meeting in New Hampshire on Sunday, they would keep us updated as to anything changing for this weekend in terms of the race schedule, but all we can do is hope that the storm does not cause any damage up there. A lot of people accuse me of being an amateur weatherman because I am so into the weather and all, but I wouldn't want to be the one having to predict where this storm is going. It's going to affect a lot of people and we just have to hope it doesn't affect the area too badly."

Being somewhat of an amateur meteorologist is something that is fun for Labonte. Having become friends with On-Camera Meteorologist Jim Cantore and Senior Uplink Engineer Craig Henry of the Weather Channel, Labonte says he has always been fascinated by the weather, but with the friendships he has formed, it's only made it worse. He proudly admits to being somewhat addicted to the aforementioned television channel.

"When Donna (Labonte's wife) and the kids aren't with me at the track, the TV stays on the Weather Channel about 90% of the time," admitted Labonte. "I'm not sure where the fascination came from and when it started, but it (the weather) is something that is constantly changing and evolving. I've become good friends with Jim, Craig and their families and even they make fun of my fascination with it all."

With everyone's thoughts on what the hurricane might or might not do later this week, Labonte and the team know they still need to get prepared as if there is no weather threat upon the horizon. Having finished third in the June race, Labonte hopes this weekend's event is just as good if not better as he is bringing the same car back again.

"We had a really good race car back in June," explained Labonte. "This car was brand new in Bristol back in March and we finished third with it there too. Unfortunately we tore it up pretty bad in Bristol a couple of weeks ago and had some major work to do to it. They guys have done a great job getting the car prepared for this weekend and we'll see what happens. Hopefully it's even better than it was before."

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