Bobby Labonte Keeps His Cool at Rockingham

Bobby Labonte had the measure of everyone at the Dura Lube/Big Kmart 400 at North Carolina Speedway taking victory by driving a cool, methodical race which saw half of the Top 10 filled with Skip Barber trained drivers. In the end, only Dale ...

Bobby Labonte had the measure of everyone at the Dura Lube/Big Kmart 400 at North Carolina Speedway taking victory by driving a cool, methodical race which saw half of the Top 10 filled with Skip Barber trained drivers.

In the end, only Dale Earnhardt could pose any challenge to the Skip Barber-trained Labonte, but his bid fell short by just over a second. The win keeps him firmly entrenched in second place in the Winston Cup standings five points behind Dale Jarrett.

Labonte was able to maintain a comfortable lead for most of the race as Earnhardt’s challenge did not become dire until the last 25 laps. Following the final round of pit stops, Labonte led by over six seconds. A cool head on his part prevailed as he allowed Earnhardt to close the gap, but ensured that his lead would be enough when the checkered flag fell.

Ward Burton headed the list of the other Skip Barber trained drivers in the Top 10. He finished third, some 10 seconds behind Labonte. Jeremy Mayfield (7th), Steve Park (9th) and Jeff Gordon (10th) completed the list.