Labonte's loss, Rudd's gain

Think I'm overreacting about Fatback's influence? Read what the Nashville Tennessean has to say on the subject:

Losing 'Fatback' hurting Labonte

BRISTOL — Bobby Labonte has been in a freefall the past six weeks.
He has not had a top 10 finish since July 3, has plummeted from sixth to ninth in the standings and is in serious danger of losing his spot in the Chase for the Championship.
''It wouldn't matter if it was this year or last year at this point and time,'' he said. ''If we're not good enough to run in the top 10, then we shouldn't be there.''
Labonte's skid has been linked to the departure of crew chief Michael ''Fatback'' McSwain, who was released from Joe Gibbs Racing on July 11. No reason was ever given for the split.
McSwain was back at work yesterday, reunited with driver Ricky Rudd. The two were together at Robert Yates Racing from 2000-2002, winning three races and four poles, but they had a public falling out and both ended up leaving RYR.
Labonte qualified 19th yesterday, Rudd was 32nd.  ¶ 1:42 AM