Who can forget the memorable weekend last year at Darlington? Cars decked out in iconic color schemes, high-speed racing, and a massive spectacle—it’s the complete package for any NASCAR fan. After all, NASCAR is all about honoring tradition. What makes days like these more special are trips down memory lane, particularly ones honoring legends. The moment became even more incredible for one such legend, Terry Labonte. In addition to his car’s paint scheme coming back for a race, he even got to wear a special suit from his racing days!

Speaking to Hendrick Motorsports after the #9 team’s Bowman Gray victory, Terry Labonte fondly recalled the surprise of finally getting to wear his firesuit.

Mr H takes Terry Labonte on a trip down memory lane

Terry Labonte’s surprise firesuit tribute at Darlington was filled with nostalgia, emotion, and a bit of humor. It all started with a casual request from Rick Hendrick himself. He asked Labonte if he could wear his old Kellogg’s firesuit at Darlington Raceway. Labonte, known for his quick wit, gave it a try. But, he quickly realized that time hadn’t spared his vintage race wear.

When Labonte arrived at Darlington, he assumed the firesuit situation was behind him. But that wasn’t the case. “I was in the bus with the team members, and then Jeff Andrews said, ‘Hey, we’ve got something for you,’” Labonte recalled. To his surprise, they presented him with a freshly tailored firesuit that perfectly matched his original uniform. Labonte laughed as he recounted how Hendrick Motorsports had, maybe, secretly contacted his wife to get the right measurements.

“Believe it or not, I went and tried it on, and it was a little bit tight,” Labonte joked. “I thought maybe they’ll forget about it. But then Mr. H mentioned something else about it again.” Despite his hopes that the idea might be shelved, the firesuit became a bigger part of the weekend than Labonte had imagined. Hendrick’s persistence set the stage for a surprise that paid tribute to Labonte’s legendary career while blending humor and heartfelt appreciation.

The Hendrick Motorsports Kellogg’s firesuit holds a special place for Labonte. Along with the car, the suit symbolizes one of the most successful phases of his career. More importantly, it represented a new era of his time as a driver. You see when Labonte joined HMS back in 1994, he had 10 wins on his belt, but he was going through something of a win drought. It had been over 5 years since his last victory. But Mr. H had belief, and Labonte was determined. Just a few months into his time with the team, he won the North Wilkesboro race, the first of 16 he won with the team. As he racked up the wins, each visit to the victory lane became remembered not just for his skill behind the wheel, but for every aspect of the driver, including his racing suit.

Known for its bold colors and iconic Kellogg’s branding, it became a signature look for Labonte as he piloted the No. 5 Chevrolet to consistent success. During this time, Labonte earned his second NASCAR Cup Series championship in 1996, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s greats. Beyond its visual appeal, the firesuit represented Terry Labonte’s long-standing relationship with Hendrick Motorsports and his steady, reliable approach on the track. Fans fondly remember seeing him in the vibrant Kellogg’s gear, especially during some of the most defining moments in NASCAR history. For Labonte, the suit is a tangible connection to a golden era in racing.

Terry Labonte wasn’t the only one rocking the Kellogg’s firesuit at Darlington

Kyle Larson, too, suited up in a custom firesuit inspired by Labonte’s original Kellogg’s design, paying tribute to the NASCAR legend in true Throwback Weekend style. He even had Labonte’s signature paint scheme on the No. 5 Chevrolet, bringing a wave of nostalgia to longtime racing fans. The two even went over to fans, with the past and present champions of HMS signing autographs.

Kyle Larson’s firesuit perfectly matched the vibrant red, yellow, and blue colors of the car, making it one of the most authentic throwback tributes of the weekend. The attention to detail didn’t go unnoticed. From head to toe, Larson looked the part, channeling Labonte’s championship-winning vibe on and off the track.

While the tribute was flawless, the race didn’t go as planned as Larson. He started in a solid 6th position but encountered trouble on the track, ultimately finishing 34th. He lamented the loss, saying, “I was struggling, I got really loose at the end of that long run and William [Byron] caught me. …I just kind of hung out there. I was trying to be really wide away from him and I just stayed wide too long and I got hung in the marbles and hit the wall.

Still, the effort to honor Terry Labonte’s legacy overshadowed the result, reminding everyone of the lasting impact Labonte’s career has had on Hendrick Motorsports and NASCAR history.