Labonte Ends Record Streak
Motor racing’s most remarkable record for longevity, Terry Labonte’s 655 consecutive Winston Cup starts, will end today.
The Iceman, as Labonte is known, has been having dizzy spells since suffering a concussion at Daytona in July, but has continued to race. However, after running a practice lap Thursday at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, he was dizzy again.
“Dr. [Jerry] Punch told me I could start the race Saturday, take one lap and come in, but I decided to sit out tomorrow,” Labonte said. “I had a hard time focusing on that lap Thursday. When you run 200 mph at this place, you’ve got to be right. I didn’t feel like it was worth it to keep going.”
Labonte has not missed starting a race since the 1979 Winston Western 500 at Riverside International Raceway.
Todd Bodine will start the No. 5 Chevrolet in Labonte’s place.
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