In the pits- MB2

MB2 hires ‘Slugger’ Labbe to serve as interim crew chief

MB2 Motorsports announced in late August that crew chief Richard “Slugger” Labbe has joined the NASCAR racing organization, and he will play a key role in the company’s expansion for 2007.

Labbe’s specific position with MB2 will be announced at a later date. For now, he will serve as crew chief on the No. 14 Chevrolet on an interim basis after MB2 Motorsports and crew chief Scott Eggleston mutually parted ways.

Labbe, who previously worked as a crew chief for Robert Yates Racing, Evernham Motorsports and DEI, began working with the team at the Aug. 26 Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway.

“The hiring of Slugger is the first phase of our expansion program for 2007,” explains MB2’s CEO and General Manager Jay Frye. “Slugger is a talented crew chief, and when the opportunity became available to hire him, we jumped on it.

“We recently shored up our organization when Bobby Ginn purchased majority interest in MB2,” Frye added. “Bobby is committed to growing our program and making our teams better.”

Labbe, a 38-year-old native of Saco, ME, said, “I am excited to join MB2 Motorsports. The company has a good vision on what’s going to happen in the coming years. I hope my knowledge in the Nextel Cup field will help the organization. This is a great opportunity, and I am looking forward to getting started.”

One of Labbe’s biggest wins as a crew chief was the 2003 Daytona 500 with driver Michael Waltrip.

“Slugger is a great crew chief, and he has a good track record in the sport,” said MB2 Motorsports driver Sterling Marlin. “I’m excited about working with him and seeing what kind of positive results we can produce for this No. 14 race team.

“I know that we have what it takes to be successful—good, hardworking people and good equipment. We just have to figure out a way to make it come together at the same time. I think having Slugger around will be a good first step toward that goal.”

Photo caption:

‘Slugger’ Labbe discusses strategy with Joe Nemecbek (l) and Ryan Pemberton