NASCAR: 5 candidates for a second 23XI Racing seat
By Asher Fair
Candidates for 23XI Racing expansion: No. 2 – Matt DiBenedetto
Matt DiBenedetto is an interesting candidate to consider here.
He is once again in a contract year competing for the Team Penske-affiliated Wood Brothers Racing, and while it had already been “confirmed” that Team Penske Xfinity Series driver Austin Cindric was set to replace him behind the wheel of the #21 Ford next year, this isn’t happening.
With Brad Keselowski moving from Team Penske to Roush Fenway Racing as a driver/co-owner, the #2 Ford is where Cindric is set to end up in 2022. But Wood Brothers Racing still decided not to keep DiBenedetto, hiring Harrison Burton to replace him.
Given the fact that it was Team Penske’s decision to keep him affiliated with the organization for the 2021 season despite initial plans to promote Cindric early, these two moves put together were somewhat surprising.
So with the driver who has become the perennial free agent of the Cup Series out of the Team Penske mix for 2022, unless he has an insane end to the 2021 season and they do the unexpected and expand to four cars, 23XI Racing would be the perfect landing spot.
Denny Hamlin was responsible for helping to fund DiBenedetto and keep him on the race track in 2018 when he was in his final season competing for Go Fas Racing, and it pained him to have to pass him for the lead/win at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2019.
They clearly have a great relationship, and DiBenedetto certainly fits the bill of an “established veteran” who could help push the team to a higher level.