Racing Legend Labonte Comes Home to Corpus Christi

To appear at Whataburger Field September 6 during Texas League playoffs

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas, Sept. 1 -- Two-time NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series Champion and Corpus Christi native Terry Labonte will throw out the ceremonial first pitch at Whataburger Field before the Hooks host Game 2 of the Texas League Division Series Wednesday.

Hall of Fame pitcher and Hooks principal owner Nolan Ryan has first-pitch honors before Tuesday's Game 1.

"We are thrilled to have Terry here for the playoffs," Hooks President J.J. Gottsch said. "He is arguably the most famous sports personality to come from Corpus Christi. It's fitting that he'll be here on one of the city's biggest sports days."

Labonte, who's raced on the NASCAR circuit since 1978, retires at the end of this season. In a 29-year career, his winnings total $36 million. Over 844 races, he's won 22 times, posted 182 Top-5 finishes and 361 in the Top 10. He captured Cup Series championships in 1984 and 1996. His second championship came over Hendrick Motorsports teammate Jeff Gordon by 37 points in one of the closest races in history.

Labonte is in his 13th year with Hendrick and drives the No. 44 Kellogg's Chevrolet. In 25 full seasons at the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series level, he's finished in the Top 5 in championship standings on seven occasions and in the Top 10 an amazing 17 times. In 1982, he became the youngest driver in motor sports history to reach the $1 million mark in earnings. Labonte will compete in his final NASCAR NEXTEL Cup race Sunday, Nov. 5 in the Dickies 500 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth. The Dickies 500 is the 34th event in the 36- race season, but Labonte wanted to make his final start in front of his fans in the Lone Star State.

Labonte, 49, was born on November 16, 1956, in Corpus Christi. He's married (wife Kim) and has two adult children, Justin and Kristy.

About Chevrolet

Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, is America's No. 1-selling automotive brand. With the nation's largest dealer network, Chevrolet is the leader in full-size trucks and in sales of vehicles priced $35,000 and above. Chevy delivers expressive design, spirited performance and great value in vehicles from $9,890 to $72,235. Global headquarters is the GM Renaissance Center in Detroit.

Chevrolet won the NASCAR NEXTEL Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck manufacturer's championships in 2005. No other manufacturer has ever swept all three titles in a single season. The Chevy bowtie led the way with 43 NASCAR wins and two driver's championships.