Few things in NASCAR evoke raw emotion like Throwback Weekend at Darlington Raceway. The colors, the retro schemes, the deep dive into history—it’s the perfect blend of tradition and nostalgia. But in 2024, one moment stole the show: Terry Labonte slipping into a custom firesuit, a near-perfect recreation of his iconic Kellogg’s gear from the 90s.
The tribute, orchestrated by Hendrick Motorsports, was more than just a nod to the past—it was a celebration of one of NASCAR’s most respected champions, a man whose steady hands and unshakable determination defined an era.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing—because when Rick Hendrick first suggested it, Labonte had a hilarious realization: his old firesuit wasn’t quite the same fit it used to be.
Terry Labonte’s “Firesuit Surprise” – A Throwback Worth the Wait
It all started with a casual request from Mr. H himself. Rick Hendrick asked Labonte if he’d be willing to wear his original Kellogg’s firesuit during the Darlington weekend. Labonte, always the good sport, gave it a shot—only to be humbled by time.
“Believe it or not, I went and tried it on, and it was a little bit tight,” Labonte joked. “I thought maybe they’d forget about it. But then Mr. H mentioned something else about it again.”
He thought that was the end of it—until Jeff Andrews of Hendrick Motorsports delivered a surprise.
“I was in the bus with the team members, and then Jeff Andrews said, ‘Hey, we’ve got something for you,’” Labonte recalled.
When he unzipped the bag, there it was: a freshly tailored firesuit, a perfect replica of his classic Kellogg’s uniform, designed specifically for him.
At that moment, it became clear how much this tribute meant—not just to Labonte, but to the entire NASCAR community.
Why Labonte’s Kellogg’s Era Still Matters
Labonte’s Hendrick Motorsports tenure, which began in 1994, marked a pivotal chapter in his career.
- He arrived at HMS winless for five years, but Rick Hendrick never lost faith in him.
- Just months after joining, he broke the drought, winning at North Wilkesboro—the first of 16 victories with the team.
- In 1996, he secured his second Cup Series championship, solidifying his place among NASCAR’s all-time greats.
Through it all, the bold red, yellow, and blue Kellogg’s firesuit became synonymous with Labonte’s identity. It wasn’t just a uniform—it was a symbol of perseverance, success, and NASCAR history.
“That suit represents a new chapter in my career. It takes me back to a time where I had to prove myself all over again.”
Kyle Larson Honors Labonte – A New Champion in an Old Look
Throwback Weekend wasn’t just about Labonte’s personal moment—it was also about one of today’s biggest stars paying tribute to a legend.
🏁 Kyle Larson suited up in a custom Kellogg’s firesuit—a near-perfect replica of Labonte’s classic look.
🏁 His No. 5 Chevrolet featured the iconic paint scheme, bringing back memories of Labonte’s glory days.
🏁 The two drivers, past and present champions, signed autographs together, bridging generations of NASCAR fans.
From head to toe, Larson looked the part. And while the tribute was flawless, the race itself didn’t go as planned.
Starting P6, Larson fought hard but struggled late, eventually finishing 34th. A tough break, but even he admitted that the tribute was bigger than the result.
“I was struggling, I got really loose at the end of that long run… I stayed wide too long, got hung in the marbles, and hit the wall.”
Despite the misfortune, the overwhelming focus remained on the celebration of Labonte’s legacy.
Final Take: A Weekend to Remember
NASCAR is a sport built on history, rivalries, and respect. And Throwback Weekend at Darlington is the ultimate way to honor the past while embracing the future.
From Terry Labonte’s firesuit surprise to Kyle Larson’s picture-perfect tribute, it was a moment that reminded everyone why NASCAR’s past is just as important as its present.
And while the No. 5 car didn’t win that night, in the eyes of Labonte, Larson, and millions of fans, it was still a victory for the sport.
