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Monday, January 14 Users: Labonte WILL be back ESPN.com We asked our users whether Terry Labonte could bounce back in 2002 or if his career was winding down. Here are some of the responses:
Terry Labonte, in my opinion, is ready for a breakout season. He had his lull like the late Dale Earnhardt did in the late 90's. He'll be back and should finish in the top 10 in points. He obviously has the talent, experience and money backing to win. Aaron Scott Cleveland, Tenn.
A driver does not win a race by himself, it takes an entire team firing on all cylinders, everybody knows that. But when a driver struggles, it seems to be all his fault and nobody seems to ask what is going on within the organization. Terry Labonte has proven himself as a driver and he isn't over the hill yet. Jim Long has just been named Terry's new crew chief, and he had one of the faster cars at the Daytona testing. If he gets out of the gate strong, hopefully the momentum will build. Look for Terry back in victory lane and a surefire top-20 points finish. Tyler Wiltshire Columbus, Ohio
He would be better if he was with another team. Hendrick doesn't give enough attention to his team like he does Jeff Gordon. It's too bad -- he's just as good a driver. Butch Lizotte Lebanon, Maine
Although I don't think that Terry is going to be contending for the championship any time soon, I believe that he still has what it takes to win again. If there is one thing the Kelloggs Team can do to improve their chances this year is to get the qualifying program up to speed. Terry is still competitive when starting up in the field. Getting rid of Dehart was a step in the right direction as far as I am concerned. Only time will tell if Jim Long will bring the new ideas needed to bring the team around. There are a lot of veterans still on the circuit that haven't won in years but have improved when associated with new teams or different crew chiefs -- look at Bill Elliott. Don't give up on this veteran because the sport needs him and others and I still have the faith in Texas Terry. David Panitzke Rincon, Ga.
I don't think you are really looking at how much of a change has occurred since Jim Long took over as the new crew chief. Last year was a constant scramble from one thing to another, and the wrong decisions were made somewhere along the line. I think we'll see Terry back in the top-10 this year, and I do believe he has another championship in him. He's top quality as a driver, and this year the changes in the cars will get him back up in the top-10 where we're used to seeing the Iron Man. Don't discount him because of the 2001 results, and certainly don't discount him because of his age. He's far from being too old to compete. If anything, the others should watch out for his experience and determination. I, for one, would put put money on him this year. Dee Haefner Aberdeenshire, Scotland
It is my opinion that Terry is in the same boat as Bill Elliott, Rusty Wallace and to a lesser measure, Ricky Rudd. He still has the talent and given the right circumstances, he can still win. Bill and Rusty proved that last season. Monty McManus Hagerstown, Md.
This is not the first time many have been anxious to write Terry off as a has-been. Apparently you don't pay much attention to Terry's efforts to improve his position throughout a given race -- the broadcasters certainly don't (They're often too preoccupied with fawning over Gordon and his flames). Mechanical deficiencies and untoward encounters with reckless fellow drivers aren't necessarily an indication of a driver's skills and competitive drive waning. I truly believe Terry is a wise enough veteran to know when he's finished and his decision to finish out his racing career at Hendrick Motorsports, plus the arrival of a new crew chief, indicates to me that he at least knows more about his potential for future success there than most of us do. I don't believe he's sticking around for another opportunity to ride Gordon's coattails to greatness! Julius L. Pfalzgraf Bakersfield, Calif.
The fact that Terry wasn't given his walking papers by Hendrick or Kelloggs speaks volumes. For his sponsor to stick by him through his tough times shows they along with Hendrick know something of Terry's strength and longevity. The man is far from done. Perhaps too much emphasis has been placed on Gordon in the past. I don't really know. I do know Terry would not be driving if he didn't think he still had the wins in him. The media doesn't help the situation. What does any reporter know about what it takes to drive a race car? Melissa Adams Jacksonville, Fla.
You have to be kidding, right? You really believe that Terry is done? Why do you think he finished 23rd in the standings as opposed to further down like you believe he should have? It is because he knows how to bring a car home even if the setup is not right. You're right in that he had six DNFs due to accidents. Considering that and his poor starting positions, I think it is remarkable that he finished 23rd in the points. The team knows now that the chassis program was off last year and they have been working on that.
I for one hope he proves you wrong for 2002. I think the No. 5 team is capable of finishing in the top-15 in points. I would be thrilled to see him in the yop-10. Retirement? I think Terry will be the only judge of when he will retire, nobody else.
As a longtime Terry fan, I must comment. While the numbers look bad, One must look past them to see that the passion to win is still there. With the personnel changes for this year I think you will see big improvement. The Daytona testing should show you that. With a little good luck (missing last year) I think Terry has a good chance of being back in the top ten, even winning the 500. He is due. Don Greenwell Louisville, Ky.
Your Quote: "It's a miracle Labonte wasn't given his walking papers at season's end. Ironically, perhaps the one thing that saved him was teammate Jeff Gordon winning the championship." If Terry gets booted by HMS they'd be doing him a favor and everyone knows it. All can deny all they want but the "problem" is not Terry, it is the fact they focus too much on Gordon. Terry struggled with bad setups all season, the driver doesn't build the car.
Lets consider the recovery factor. Terry suffered injuries in the 2000 season and the loss of a great friend at the 2001 Daytona 500. Would kind of make you a little too cautious, wouldn't you think? I know it would me, and he's no less human than I am. But people recover and so do teams. I call your prediction and raise you about 15 spots. I foresee a season end of 15th or better. Preferring the latter, of course.
While your analysis of Terry's 2001 season is correct, your musing about his 2002 are insane. If there ever were a true pro in any sport, it would be Terry Labonte. Look for Terry to rebound in a huge way. True, he may be close to retirement, but having followed Labonte's career for years, he will not settle for going out in "Waltripin" style riding around at the back of the pack. Terry wins one or two races and finishes in the top-12 in points. Take that to the bank! Steven Watts Jacksonville, Fla. |
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