Labonte Humbled by Talladega Walk of Fame Induction

Bobby Labonte, the 2000 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion, welcomed his induction into the Talladega Walk of Fame this evening in a ceremony at the Davey Allison Memorial Park in Talladega, Ala. He joined 1960 Sprint Cup champion, Rex White, in the 2008 class of inductees.

Benny Parsons, who was already a member of the prestigious group, was honored with a permanent plaque for his years of service to the Talladega Walk of Fame, which included serving as emcee for the annual induction ceremony.

“This is a great honor because it is voted on by the fans," said Labonte. “Since coming to Petty Enterprises and seeing firsthand how “The King" Richard Petty appreciates all the fans, it is important to me to continue to do the same. To be able to be a part of a celebration that included two great champions like Rex White and Benny Parsons is pretty special because I have a lot of respect for those that came before me and helped paved the way for what we enjoy today."

This is the second consecutive year that a Labonte has been inducted into the Talladega Walk of Fame. Terry Labonte, who will compete in Sunday’s race in the No. 45 Marathon American Spirit Motor Oil Dodge, went in last year. This adds to an already impressive list of accomplishments for the Labonte brothers, including the fact that they are the only brothers to both win the Sprint Cup Series title.

“I’ve always looked up to my brother as one of my heroes," continued Labonte. “The fact that we will both be racing for Petty Enterprises on Sunday is definitely a cool way to celebrate my induction."