Labonte to continue in Petty's Cup ride for one more race

Updated: July 21, 2008, 3:14 PM ET

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By David Newton
ESPN.com
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Kyle Petty's break from the Sprint Cup circuit has been extended by one race.

Petty

Terry Labonte, who has driven the past six races in the No. 45 car while Petty served as an analyst for TNT, will be in the car again for Sunday's race at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Petty Enterprises officials want to take advantage of Labonte's past champion's provisional -- Labonte won titles in 1984 and 1996 -- to guarantee the car will be in the field for one of the biggest races of the year.

Officials said this was only temporary and Petty will return to the car.

Labonte

Labonte has an average finish of 27.5 in six races, including 16th at Daytona earlier this month.

Petty has an average finish of 34.3, missing several races after the car fell outside the top 35 guaranteed a starting spot. His best finish was 27th at Richmond.

The car currently is 41st in owner points.

David Newton covers NASCAR for ESPN.com. He can be reached at dnewtonespn@aol.com.