Labonte to make 600th consecutive start at Indianapolis

Once again, 2000 Sprint Cup champion Bobby Labonte will hit another career landmark this weekend. Two weeks ago, Labonte made his 600th career NASCAR Sprint Cup Series start.  This weekend, during the Brickyard 400 at the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Labonte will be making his 600th consecutive NASCAR Sprint Cup start.

The all-time NASCAR Sprint Cup mark is held by one of the most respected, well-liked drivers to ever walk into the Sprint Cup garage.  Ricky Rudd ended his career with an amazing 788 consecutive starts. Labonte is ranked seventh on the NASCAR Sprint Cup records and amongst some of the most profound professional athletes with consecutive starts.

A.C. Green, Jr. leads the NBA with 1,192, streaming from the beginning of his career in 1986 to when he retired in 2001.  Cal Ripken, Jr. holds the record for Major League Baseball (MLB) with 2,632.  The NFL has Jeff Feagles on its leader board with 352 for any player; Brett Favre has 285 for any quarterback or position player.  And last but not least, the NHL and Doug Jarvis hold the record at 964 consecutive starts.

"I wouldn't be able to have the opportunity to earn my 600th consecutive Sprint Cup start without the help of James Finch and Phoenix Racing," said Labonte.  "Things are still very much up in the air for me and it's been really great to be able to work with this group of guys.

"To be able to look at the list of athletes with milestone consecutive starts like mine is very humbling.  It really is cool to think that I am amongst some of these athletes that I admire. It's a special milestone and I really look forward to continuing this streak.  Racing is in my blood, it's what fuels me.

"I really enjoy Indianapolis Motor Speedway.  I have been lucky enough to 'kiss the bricks' and get a victory here in 2000, my championship season.  That made that season all the more special.  The track is really unique and one of a kind.  There is so much history to it.  To be able to make my own history here is really awesome."

Courtesy, Breaking Limits