Campaigning Texas governor sponsors NASCAR’s Bobby Labonte for Texas Motor Speedway race

Texas governor sponsors NASCAR driver for race

LEWISVILLE, Texas — Gentlemen, start your … political campaigns?

Texas Gov. Rick Perry’s re-election campaign said Tuesday that he’s sponsoring Bobby Labonte’s car for the April 18 NASCAR Sprint Cup race at the Texas Motor Speedway.

Perry and Labonte were at a suburban Dallas car dealership Tuesday to unveil the car. It has the words “Governor Perry” painted on the hood, the campaign’s Web address emblazoned on the sides and the message “Perry Governor 2010″ on its back.

Perry says Labonte’s driving reminds him of Texas’ strong economy. He is running against Democrat Bill White in November’s election.

Labonte is 33rd on the NASCAR money leaders list. He is originally from Corpus Christi.

(This version CORRECTS that the campaign Web address was written on the car’s sides, not its doors.)