Matt Dibenedetto’s Disguised Future Update Leaves NASCAR Fandom Bummed Out

The search for a ride continues for Matt DiBenedetto. Following his departure from Rackley W.A.R., the 32-year-old driver has carefully considered his options. With the 2024 season starting soon, fans have been curious to know what the future holds for him. DiBenedetto has revealed his cards but rather vaguely in a recent Instagram upload.

The former Wood Brothers Racing driver stated that he is still exploring his options and has no conclusion to share. Speaking around those lines, he also signaled the difficult sponsorship situation in NASCAR and how that has affected his search. However, the mixed message have put the NASCAR fandom in a frenzy as they vent their disappointment over the elongated suspense.

Matt DiBenedetto talks about his future in NASCAR

Matt DiBenedetto has featured in 248 Cup Series races already. With age on his side, he is already a veteran in the premier division. But the 2022 season didn’t fare well for him. Wood Brothers Racing replaced him with Harrison Burton as the No.21 driver, which surprised the community. DiBenedetto had qualified for the playoffs in 2020 and finished 13th in the same season. From that season to 2023, it has been a drastic change for him.

Speaking about the increasing curiosity from fans toward his future, the former Rackley W.A.R. driver said, “There are some passionate individuals trying to know what I’m doing next year.”

“I promise I’m not leaving anyone in the dark. So, full transparency. An update on what’s going on. Everything’s good. No, I’m not retiring. You guys aren’t getting rid of me that easily. Racing runs through my blood. I love NASCAR and love driving in circles. I’m not going anywhere.”

Speaking on the problems that the sponsorship situation presents, combined with the addition of charter systems, he said, “We are working like crazy, but you guys know NASCAR is a business. I don’t mean it in a bad way. I mean it in a good way. We are building our partnerships; we are building our sponsorships. I’m really looking at the next 5-10 years of my career. I’m only 32; I’m not that old.”

His indifferent answer ended up frustrating followers and spreading disappointment within the fanbase. While some have dived deeper into the massive shift in performances, others have slammed the announcement.

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DiBenedetto’s announcement tests the fandom’s patience

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Trying the NASCAR fandom’s ability to wait is not a great idea. With the offseason set, fans have found it hard to engage in something more interesting than driver switches and new team recruitment. Following the announcement from Matt DiBenedetto, the interested faction has not taken it lightly.

One fan summarized his message in a short phrase as he commented, “So he has no plans.” Another compared the announcement to an update from the popular multiplayer game Fortress 2: “The update: there is no update. No, this isn’t Team Fortress 2.”

A Redditor fan even used popular sitcom character Michael Scott’s surprises in ‘The Office’ as a reference and said, “Michael Scott level of hyping a surprise right here with the same result. So, just like every other driver without a ride in any series. Why is this even news? It’s just the way it goes in the business.”

“Announcement that there’s no announcement..”, read another opinion in the comment section as one fan lost his composure with the notice. The Redditor said, “I don’t care if you like or hate Dibby, that shit’s annoying.”

Hilariously taking a dig at the announcement video, a user wrote: “I feel like this could’ve been an email”

The past few seasons have been rough for Matt DiBenedetto. With the ongoing sponsor scarcity in NASCAR, it is tough to determine where he is headed next. However, Kaulig Racing could be a great option if he wishes to return to the Cup, but that is just wishful thinking after all!

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