NASCAR: What does Matt DiBenedetto’s future hold?
By Randy Smith
Matt DiBenedetto is without a ride for the 2022 NASCAR season, and his future outlook appears to be more vague than it was before.
The 2022 NASCAR Cup Series season will see a new driver behind the wheel of the #21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford, with Joe Gibbs Racing Xfinity Series driver Harrison Burton set to replace Matt DiBenedetto.
DiBenedetto is no stranger to free agency, however. Before he was the driver of the #21 Ford, he spent time competing for BK Racing, Go Fas Racing and Leavine Family Racing.
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What separates this wave of free agency in DiBenedetto’s career is his press off the track.
The 30-year-old recently deactivated his Twitter account after making a comment that many deemed controversial, but he returned after a very brief hiatus.
He made his return this past weekend and was then featured in a video saying “Let’s Go Brandon!” before getting into his race car for his qualifying attempt ahead of the Cup Series season finale at Phoenix Raceway.
NASCAR Superstar @mattdracing: LETS GO BRANDON! pic.twitter.com/w7eJhplzh2
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) November 7, 2021
This video came about shortly after NASCAR president Steve Phelps stated that he wasn’t happy with the chant, its reception, or the fact that it originated in NASCAR. His remarks came in a media session during championship weekend at the four-turn, 1.022-mile (1.645-kilometer) oval in Avondale, Arizona.
Now DiBenedetto has shifted gears.
He recently apologized for the phrase, saying that he “didn’t deliver it the right way”. He also went on to say that he deserves “whatever loss of respect” he gets from some people in regard to the video.
It’s unclear where the Grass Valley, California native might drive next season, or if he will compete at all. He has made it clear that he is entertaining offers from any series, but a landing spot remains to be found.
DiBenedetto did make the playoffs with Wood Brothers Racing in 2020, but he finished in 18th place in the standings this past season. He has been very open about his lack of sponsorship, and he understands the crucial role it plays in the sport.
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However, there is still bound to be quite a bit of driver movement during NASCAR’s offseason, and DiBenedetto could still find himself a ride for 2022. But he seems to be dealing with an off-track situation in the meantime.