Racing is an expensive business. Only the affluent can afford it without the backing of a solid sponsor. But for aspiring drivers and veterans of the sport like Norm Benning who is well past his prime, looking to make his Daytona return, there’s no ride without a sponsor and the 71-year-old is trying everything in his power to get himself an organization to power his 2024 aspirations.

While he has closed in on the $50,000 mark with him landing a tie-up recently, the veteran trucker still needs $25,000 to get the ball rolling. A popular NASCAR enthusiast and historian, Brock Bread recently shared a social media post to get the cash flowing in, linking Benning’s GoFundMe portal.

The struggle goes on for Norm Benning

After sponsorship talks did not come to fruition, veteran trucker, Norm Benning is now looking for other alternatives including a crowd-funded approach to fuel his ambitions before he finally hangs his boots for good. He is the oldest active driver in NASCAR today at the age of 71 but age isn’t stopping him from getting inside a car to take on the 2.5-mile track in Daytona but the lack of a sponsor is.

Competing in NASCAR since 1989, Norm Benning has well over 30 years of experience racing Stock Cars. Benning, who turned 71 in January, is all set for another Truck Series appearance when he gears up for action at Daytona, a month after he turns 72 only when he has everything under control. Relaying the status of the veteran’s run, Brock Beard revealed that Benning is one step closer to his dream of securing a ride for Daytona with the veteran picking up a sponsor that will cover the cost of the engine.

The last of the few remaining independent drivers in NASCAR has reduced the gap from $50,000 to $25,000 but still needs that amount to secure his ride before the window closes for the race in February. The enthusiast noted, “Norm Benning picked up another sponsor which has covered the cost of the engine, but he’s still short of the funds he needs to lock-in his ride for Daytona. With time running short, he’s set up a GoFundMe” as he shared the donating link of the driver.

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Can he seize the moment? Benning gets candid about his opportunity to take on the 2.5-mile speedway

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“It’s the best opportunity to run up front I’ve ever had,” told the driver as the hype around his Daytona return soared. However, the veteran’s age is still a factor for many, as the veteran trucker is well past his prime, and even the slightest of mistakes or mishaps and accidents can have serious consequences.

Moreover, thinking about it from the business partner’s perspective, they might not be really seeing a return on investment, but above all, Norm Benning certainly deserves a fitting farewell to his NASCAR journey, whether the driver wishes to put a full stop to it in Daytona or not.

With time running out, Benning has a narrow window if he wants to secure a ride for him. According to a report by TobyChristie.com, the veteran said, “I’m not looking for one person. I mean, it’s possible, but I would rather just people the opportunity to get their name on the truck, we’re just running out of time here pretty quick, but right now, I got just enough money to get in trouble, you know what I mean? So, everything helps at this point.”

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