Labonte Ends Record Streak

INDIANAPOLIS — 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.