BUSCH: RCR, Terry Labonte to test Montreal circuit

Terry Labonte, Richard Childress Racing team to test June 12 at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 18, 2007) -- In preparation for its second international event of the season -- and its inaugural race in Canada -- the NASCAR Busch Series will conduct a test on Tuesday, June 12 at the famed Circuit Gilles Villeneuve road course in Montreal, Quebec, site of the NAPA Auto Parts 200 presented by Dodge on August 4.

Richard Childress Racing and Terry Labonte, the two-time NASCAR NEXTEL Cup Series champion (1984, 1996) and winner of 11 races in the NASCAR Busch Series -- four of those on the road course at Watkins Glen International -- will be the test team. RCR, with driver Jeff Burton, was also the test team in January 2005 prior to the inaugural event at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City.

"I was excited when I got the call asking if I was willing to drive at the test," Labonte said. "I'm happy to share my opinions on things like gear ratio with the drivers who will race at this track. The fans in Canada are so passionate about their racing. I'm really looking forward to this opportunity."

"We're thrilled to conduct our test program at this world-class venue," NASCAR Busch Series Director Joe Balash said. "Our teams are looking forward to racing at such a unique facility in August. We're pleased that an experienced driver like Terry, along with the RCR team, is able to help us out with the test. We'll gain very valuable data to share with our teams in preparation for the race."

The one-day test has two sessions, scheduled from 9 a.m.--noon and 1--5:00 p.m. on the 2.709-mile course. The NAPA Auto Parts 200 will be a 74-lap (200.466 miles) event and is the second of three road races on the 2007 NASCAR Busch Series schedule. The Watkins Glen road course will host the Zippo 200 on August 11.

-credit: nascar