NASCAR Champion Bobby Labonte Auctions Prized Memorabilia
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Bobby Labonte has a warehouse packed with vintage race cars and extraordinary racing memorabilia. He collected these personal items during a remarkable 25-year NASCAR Cup racing career, from the 1991 Budweiser 500 in Dover to the 2016 Hellmann’s 500 in Talladega.
Reflecting on his quarter-century career, Labonte decided to offer fans the opportunity to own one or more of these pieces of racing history. He said:
It is really fun to be able to celebrate the 25th anniversary of winning the NASCAR Cup Series Championship in 2000 by sharing some of my personal memorabilia collection with fans and other collectors. It's really cool to get to work with eBay and Notable Live to make this happen.
The eBay auction of Labonte’s curated collection of goodies started on Thursday, Feb. 13. New items were added to the sale throughout February.
The auction hit a crescendo at the end of the month when Labonte offered a racing vehicle - opens in new window or tab. bearing one of the most legendary numbers in NASCAR history. It was the last car built at the Petty Enterprises race shop in Level Cross, N.C. The so-called Cheerios car chalked up three Top 10 finishes.
In the meantime, the current online eBay auction—powered by Notable Live—includes race helmets, fire suits, hero cards, and challenge cards. There are diecasts and numbered prints as well. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own unique collectibles from Bobby Labonte’s 25-year NASCAR career.
Humble Beginnings to NASCAR Stardom
Bobby Labonte started racing when he was five. That’s when he piloted quarter-midgets in his native Texas. When Labonte moved with his family to North Carolina in the late 1970s to support his older brother Terry’s NASCAR efforts, he started racing go-karts. He said:
We had to race on a budget so I started off at the track that was 20 miles from my house. I could fill up my truck once every month to go down there and back four times. I couldn't afford to go further than that.
Labonte drove for Bill Davis Racing in the 1993 and 1994 NASCAR Cup seasons. An 11-year stint driving Chevrolets and Pontiacs for Joe Gibbs Racing followed. He won the Cup championship with the team in 2000. Labonte spent three seasons with Petty Enterprises from 2006 through 2008 in a Dodge.
All along the way, he wisely stored away the coolest stuff from his long career behind the wheel. Now, he’s letting 25 items go in the most remarkable way.
The Good Stuff
The items for auction are from his NASCAR years. Highlights include:
A Duo of Driving Suits
Labonte wore this Dentyne Racing uniform - opens in new window or tab. throughout the 1994 season while driving the #33 Pontiac. The white Interstate Battery fire suit - opens in new window or tab. was used while testing with Joe Gibbs Racing.
Two Race Helmets
The autographed 1994 Dentyne Simpson - opens in new window or tab. and 2005 Slim Jim Bell - opens in new window or tab. helmets are ideal for displaying on a bookshelf. Labonte wore the Dentyne Simpson helmet during the 1994 Busch Series season when he was driving for Wegner Racing in the #33 Dentyne car. That year, he won at Michigan and recorded two top-5 and three top-10 finishes. Labonte wore the Slim Jim Bell helmet during the 2005 Busch Series O’Reilly Challenge at Texas Motor Speedway.
Championship Trophy (.5 Scale Replica) and Champagne for the 2000 NASCAR Cup Series
When Labonte won the Cup championship, the team celebrated with several cases of this champagne. Many of Joe Gibbs Racing’s leadership still display their bottles in their office to commemorate the victory. A limited number were made, and fewer than five bottles remain in Labonte's possession. Also, you can bid on a .5 replica of the 2000 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Championship trophy earned by Labonte after he was crowned series champion.
Numbered Prints by Sam Bass
The Coca-Cola 600 Win and Texas Sports Hall of Fame limited edition numbered prints were created by the late great NASCAR artist Sam Bass. They're numbered and signed by the artist and Labonte. The Coca-Cola 600 artwork commemorates Bobby Labonte’s spectacular finish when he took the win over Terry Labonte, his brother and two-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion. It shows Bobby in victory lane, hoisting the trophy while team owner Joe Gibbs looks on. This commemorative print is ideal for displaying in a living room, family room, or home office wall. The winning bidder will have the opportunity to speak with Labonte via the Notable Live virtual event platform.
1994 Signed Wheels High Gear Racing Trading Card
This 1994 Wheels High Gear Racing trading card, signed by Labonte, depicts Bobby wearing his Dentyne fire suit (also for sale in this auction) and Dentyne ball cap. It features his career statistics through the 1993 season. As with the auction for the Sam Bass print, the winning bidder will have the opportunity to speak with Labonte. The card is suitable for framing and would look great on a bookshelf. Also, check out this 1991 Bobby Labonte Slim Jim hero card.
A Note About Notable
The Notable Live platform connects fans with athletes and celebrities. Through interactive video events, fans can interact with their heroes, no matter where they happen to be. Geography is no longer a barrier, and the interaction is instantaneous. eBay joined forces with Notable Live in January 2023 with a Series A capital investment. The company was founded in 2018 by Mike Antonucci and NFL legend Emmitt Smith.
The winning bidder of the upcoming auction of the Cheerios car will enjoy a one-of-a-kind experience. Arrangements will be made for the new owner to meet Labonte in person, obtain autographs, talk racing, and pick up a history-making race car.
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