Ever since Jimmie Johnson joined the Sprint Cup Series, he and Bobby Labonte have had a season ending dinner to “catch up” and just hang out as friends instead of competitors.  Meeting up at a local Charlotte restaurant, the two drivers and their wives have had a nice candlelight dinner to celebrate their friendship off the track.  Lately, according to Labonte, it seems like that friendship has dwindled.

“This will be the third year in a row Jimmie has cancelled on me.  It pisses me off because I am going to still have to pay the babysitter because I didn’t give her enough notice” said Bobby Labonte upon hearing Johnson won’t be able to make their December 5^th dinner.  “I tried to reschedule something for the rest of the week of December 2-6, but he said he was busy.  He mumbled something about New York and a NASCAR awards ceremony and hung up on me.  I’ve been in NASCAR for a long time now and I have NEVER heard of a awards ceremony in New York.”

A frustrated Labonte continued “I am beginning to think he is trying to avoid me.  He even avoids me on the track.  He is always starting up in the front and then when we do get together, he just puts me a lap down and pulls away.  I never get to see him anymore.  It’s like he is better than me.  I remember three years ago. I made the reservations, I arrived early, I was well groomed/dressed, I made sure we had one of the best tables outside, I surveyed the menu and wine list for some choice suggestions, I ordered a drink and waited patiently only to be stood up.  I should have known then that he would keep doing this.  Maybe next year I’ll have a “Awards Ceremony” in “New York” that I have to go to and I’ll make Jimmie sit there at the table waiting for me.”