How are these drivers faring with their new teams?(NASCAR: DRIVER REPORTS)

Bobby Labonte

Labonte didn't have a choice in his departure from Joe Gibbs Racing, but Petty Enterprises has done everything in its power to make Labonte, the 2000 Cup champion, feel at home. No, the No. 43 isn't the weekly contender it once was, but what that team lacks in technology it makes up in heart. Team manager Robbie Loomis and crew chief Todd Parrott are driven to turn this deal around. The Petty organization benefits from Evernham engines, but Labonte could use a better performance from his pit crew.

JEFF GREEN Crew chief Bootie Barker credits Green with providing the missing piece to the Haas CNC Racing puzzle. As a Hendrick Motorsports satellite squad, Green's No. 66 Chevrolet has all the tools to be a top 15 contender, and it has three finishes in the top 15 this season. Team owner Gene Haas plans to build a wind tunnel, so this team eventually will have a steady stream of its own aerodynamic data. Haas' legal problems aren't expected to have an effect on the team.

STERLING MARLIN Marlin's matchup with crew chief Doug Randolph didn't work out as expected. Marlin referred to his cars as "undrivabte." Marlin has been reunited with a former No. 40 crew chief, Scott Eggleston, who took over before last weekend's race at Sonoma. Marlin says the short track program is pretty good but adds the mile-and-a-half program is terrible. Considering MB2 Motorsports leases Hendrick engines and Marlin's teammate, ...