Slugger Labbe

Richard "Slugger" Labbe (born June 14, 1968) is an American NASCAR crew chief currently employed by Richard Childress Racing and working on the No. 3 Dow/Bass Pro Shops Chevrolet SS driven by Austin Dillon.

Early life

Labbe was born in Saco, Maine and introduced to racing at a young age. His father, Ray, worked on cars in the NASCAR Busch North Series and often brought his son to the events. In 1984 at the age of 15, Labbe began work on the crew of a Late Model stock car team. Two years later he began working in the NASCAR Busch North Series.

NASCAR career

In 1989, Labbe moved to Hickory, North Carolina to compete in NASCAR’s Busch South Series. Working as a mechanic for NASCAR Busch Series driver Tommy Houston, the team finished second in the NASCAR Busch Series South championship.

In 1991, Labbe moved into the NASCAR Nationwide Series, working with driver Terry Labonte. In three seasons the team captured five victories. When Labonte made the move to NASCAR’s Sprint Cup in 1994, Labbe joined assuming the duties of front tire changer and mechanic for his No. 5 team with Hendrick Motorsports. Labbe became the car chief in his second year with the organization and helped them win the Unocal pit crew championship and the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series championship in 1996.