NASCAR ROUNDUP | News and notes

Rusty's new career: Retirement didn't last very long for Rusty Wallace, who only needed about two months to land a job in a new profession. Wallace became the first on-air hire by ESPN and ABC Sports when he was named lead auto racing analyst on Wednesday. His first assignment will be covering next month's Daytona 500 for ESPN's SportsCenter. "I feel like broadcasting is my calling," Wallace said. "I knew when I retired this is what I wanted to do. I feel like I am well educated on the cars, NASCAR, the whole industry." ESPN and ABC will broadcast 17 Nextel Cup races beginning in 2007, the first year of an eight-year contract the networks signed with NASCAR. In preparation for his move into the broadcasting booth, Wallace will spend this upcoming season analyzing Indy Racing League events, including this year's Indianapolis 500. Wallace, the 1989 Cup champion, ended his 22-year career last November. "Rusty earned the respect and admiration of fellow drivers and fans with his engaging personality and unquestioned racing ability -- attributes that will continue to entertain race fans," said Norby Williamson, ESPN's executive vice president.
Terry's good-bye: When Terry Labonte climbs out of his car following the Nov. 5 race at Texas Motor Speedway, the two-time NASCAR champion knows it will be for the last time. Labonte said Wednesday he won't waffle on his decision to end his 29-year career this year. "I am not going to be like Mark Martin and change my mind," Labonte said during the Lowe's Motor Speedway media tour's stop at Hendrick Motorsports. "This is definitely going to be the last year for me." Martin said that 2005 would be his final year, then later agreed to race one more season. But unlike Martin, Labonte has already scaled back his schedule. He ran a limited schedule last year, and will compete in only 17 events this season. He'll start out racing for Hall of Fame Motorsports, the startup team fielded by Roger Staubach and Troy Aikman, in the first five races this year. Labonte plans to compete for Hall of Fame in both of the NASCAR road course races. He will then run 10 events for Hendrick Motorsports, beginning April 9 at Texas. He will compete at Darlington Raceway, site of his last victory. His win there in 2003 was the 22nd of his career. Because he's already spent a year in semi-retirement, Labonte said he's ready for the real thing. "Last year was a little adjustment, but I really enjoyed the limited deal," he said. "It was nice to sit back and not go to every race."
Big bonus: Car owner Rick Hendrick wants all four of his drivers in contention for the Nextel Cup title, and has put his own money up as incentive to get them into the Chase for the championship. "We had a big meeting with all the employees on campus and we put up a lot of bonus money," Hendrick said. "We want all four in the Chase." So just how much is Hendrick offering? A whopping $1,248,525 to be divided by all the Hendrick employees if Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, Brian Vickers and Kyle Busch all make the 10-race championship. "This is probably the best chance we have to make it happen," said Chad Knaus, Johnson's crew chief. "This is the strongest our organization has ever been. Now its up to the teams to make it happen. If we don't make it happen, its our own fault." Hendrick gave coins to all his employees as a reminder of his pledge. The coins read "All 4 in the Chase."
Team spirit: Felix Sabates stepped up when majority owner Chip Ganassi was unable to attend Wednesday's media tour stop at his team headquarters. It was no easy feat for Sabates, co-owner in the three-team operation. He had prostate surgery last week, and Wednesday was his first day out of bed. He needed to be chauffeured to the event, once he convinced his wife to let him out of the house. "See how committed I am?" he joked. This season marks Sabates' 20th in NASCAR and his fifth since Ganassi purchased the bulk of Sabates' fledgling team. Few thought the relationship with the demanding Ganassi would work. "When we got together, a lot of people said we wouldn't last three weeks. We've had one argument in five years to see who was going to pick up the check at an expensive restaurant," Sabates said. "I don't think I would be here today if it hadn't been for Chip. I was ready to pack my bags and go somewhere else because I wasn't having a lot of fun. I'm having a lot of fun today because Chip has to pay all the bills. For those of you who didn't think we'd last three weeks, you were wrong."
Associated Press
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