Labonte's contract with Petty expires at the end of 2008, and there has been speculation that Labonte will become the driver for the fourth Childress team. Labonte currently drives a partial schedule for Childress in the Nationwide Series. Labonte has not indicated whether he will stay with Petty or move to another team in 2009, and Childress says he will name the driver of the No. 33 at a later time.

"Bobby is one of the most marketable and popular drivers in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series," said Brian Moffitt, Petty Enterprises vice president of marketing. "He and his family share the ideals and values of the Petty Organization, and he remains a key component to the long-term future of Petty Enterprises. While there is substantial sponsorship interest in Bobby and Petty Enterprises, we will carefully consider our options to ensure the continuation of our rich tradition and to build on current momentum.

"Prospective partners are well aware of the special power of the Petty brand, as numerous surveys and marketing groups have identified Richard Petty as one of the most iconic brands in all of sports."

Petty Enterprises also announced Tuesday that Craftsman Truck Series regular Chad McCumbee will replace Kyle Petty behind the wheel of the No. 45 Dodge for Sunday's Samsung 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. McCumbee subbed for Petty last year at Pocono during Petty's tenure in the TNT broadcast booth.

"Texas is a good track for him," Petty said in a team release. "He had a strong run going in the truck race there last year. At Pocono, he did a great job filling in for me when I went into the booth.

"Everyone at Petty Enterprises believes in Chad and his abilities. Texas gives us a chance to get another good look at Chad without throwing him to the wolves. He should be relaxed, because he knows he can get the job done there."