CONCORD, N.C. - Bobby Labonte lost his Sprint Cup ride amid the shuffling and merging of teams when Petty Enterprises reorganized at the end of the 2008 season. But the veteran driver will be back behind the wheel for the season-opening Daytona 500 on Feb. 15. Labonte, the only NASCAR driver with both Cup and Nationwide titles, was introduced yesterday as driver of the No. 96 Ford owned by Hall of Fame Racing and operated by Yates Racing.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Hall of Fame Racing became the latest NASCAR team to use a merger to stave off collapse, aligning Tuesday with Yates Racing to keep its operation running into the new season. The team quickly signed former Cup Series champion Bobby Labonte to drive the No. 96 Ford, which will operate out of Yates’ shop. “With our new Yates partnership and having a true champion and class person in Bobby Labonte behind the wheel, we’re expecting great things on the race track,“ said Hall of Fame co-owner Tom Garfinkel.

CHARLOTTE, N.C.—Hall of Fame Racing became the latest NASCAR team to use a merger to stave off collapse, aligning Tuesday with Yates Racing to keep its operation running into the new season. Hall of Fame ended its technical alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing at the end of last season, then laid off most of its work force last month as sponsorship difficulties put its 2009 schedule in doubt. The building that the team leased was also put up for sale.