Labonte Exits on His Terms

Terry Labonte officially announced today that he is retiring at the end of 2006.

"The Iceman" is moving to a limited schedule in 2005 and 2006 - running in only 10 races a year. Labonte will drive the No. 44 Chevrolet for car owner Rick Hendrick beginning next season.

"44" is a special number to Labonte - the No. 44 was the car Labonte drove when he won his first NASCAR title in 1984. His younger brother, Bobby, used that number when he won the Busch series title and his son, Justin, was in the No. 44 when he won his first Busch race this season.

The highlight for the Labonte family came in 1996 when Terry won the title in the season finale at Atlanta - the same day Bobby won the race. Terry and Brother Bobby became the only brothers to win a series title when Bobby won the 2000 championship.