FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 14, 2013
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Broken Suspension Ends Promising Run for BLR at Florence Speedway
Headed to Batesville for the Topless 100
 
TRINITY, NC (August 14) - Coming off a string of solid performances, Bobby Labonte Racing (BLR) and Earl Pearson Jr. had high hopes for another strong run at Florence (S.C) Speedway in Saturday's North/South 100. Unfortunately for Pearson Jr., the suspension within the No. 44 Lucas Oil Longhorn Chassis broke during the feature race and haltered the team's chance for a top finish. Despite the result, Pearson Jr was happy with the car's performance prior to the malfunction and is excited about the team's next race at Batesville (Ark.) Motor Speedway.

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series (LOLMDS) allowed open practice for all teams on Thursday, August 8 at Florence Speedway. The BLR team took advantage of the practice session to test out the No. 44 Longhorn Chassis. Pearson Jr. and the team had great qualifying runs and would be in Heat Race #1 on Saturday night. The No. 44 Lucas Oil Longhorn fell a little short in Heat #1, finishing sixth. Pearson Jr. went on to finish second in B-Main #1, which put the BLR team starting 21st in the North/South 100 Feature race.

Pearson may have started in the back of the field, but before long he was passing cars and heading to the front of the pack. He was coming up through the field when a part in the suspension broke. As Pearson Jr. continued to make laps around the track trying to salvage a finish, he was hit by another competitor ending the BLR team's night. Pearson Jr. was scored with a 17th place finish.

"We had a great car all weekend. I hate it that the results don't show that, but very pleased with the car, just a few tough breaks," said Pearson Jr.

BLR team will head to Batesville, AR later this week for the COMP Cams Topless 100 at Batesville Motor Speedway with practice on Thursday, heat races on Friday and feature Saturday night.  Pearson Jr. remains in fifth place in Lucas Oil Championship Point Standings, 345 points out of first place. For photos, team updates and news go to www.bobbylabonteracing.com. For live updates from the races each week, be sure to follow Earl Pearson Jr. and Bobby Labonte Racing on Twitter and Facebook.