The United States Coast Guard has𝔉 confirmed that it intends to extend its partnership with Labonte Motorsports to encompass a full 35-race schedule in the 2005 NASCAR Busch 𓆉Series.

The USCG will continue to back 23-year old Justin La😼bonte, who is currently running the #44 'Shield of Freedom' car in a 15-race schedule under Coast Guard sponsorship this season.

"The Coast Guard entered into this year's partnership as a unique opportunity to showcase the organisation, and tell our story to an unprecedented audience of potential recruits an♍d those that influence them," explained Admiral Thomas Collins, "Justin, Terry, Bobby and the en🌞tire Labonte Motorsports organisation have been true class acts throughout the season.

"It's clear that we made the right choice in partnerin𒆙g with a family and team whose values and traditions mirror those of the Coast Guard famil🧜y. We are looking forward to extending our partnership into the 2005 season."

Labon🎶te Jr said that he couldn'ꦛt be more thrilled with his Coast Guard association, and couldn't wait to mount a full campaign in 2005.

"꧋I've visited a lot of Coast Guard units and there's still a lot of neat stuff that I haven't seen, so I'm looking forward to more visits," he said, "I couldn't ask for a better sponsor - it's been a lot of fun.

"Being able to race a full schedule is so important to being a successful team," he added. "You just can't make the same progress running a limited schedule, so we're 💫very excited about racing every week and making a run at the championship with the 'Shield of Freedom' #44."

Justin's father, Winston Cup champion Terry, and equally successful uncle Bobby, have been full pa✱rticipants in the partnership, which is aimed at enhancing the Coast Guard♔'s recruiting and outreach missions. The three Labonte drivers also serve as spokesmen in TV and print public service announcements for the Coast Guard's 2004 National Boating Safety Campaign.