Matt Dibenedetto Finally to Have a “Long Term Plan” After Struggling to Find a Seat for 2024

After deciding to leave Rackley W.A.R. in September 2023 without a clear next step, Matt DiBenedetto’s move seemed a bit risky. He’s been on the lookout for a new gig that suits him ever since. December teased the possibility of a new opportunity, but it fizzled out to nothing. Then, in January, a few rumors from here and there suggested he might land a spot with Kaulig Racing, driving the #16 Cup car. Fast forward to now, and it’s official: he’s joining the Xfinity series, taking the wheel of the #38 Ford car for Viking Motorsports. He recently popped up on SiriusXM NASCAR to spill the beans about his new adventure.

Matt Dibenedetto’s thoughts on signing up to drive the Ford Mustang for the Viking Motorsports Racing team

Matt DiBenedetto is all set to steer the #38 Ford Mustang for Viking Motorsports in a bunch of NASCAR Xfinity Series races in 2024, kicking off with the upcoming race at Richmond Raceway. He let the cat out of the bag after Frontstretch.com broke the news, confirming it with a shout-out on his Twitter account this Wednesday afternoon.

Chopping it up on SiriusXM NASCAR, he shared that they’re hitting the ground running with the next five races at Richmond, Martinsville, Texas, Dover, and Talladega. On top of that, he mentioned they’ve got sponsorships lined up through Loudon, New Hampshire, which is crucial for them. Beyond that, they’re hustling to keep the sponsorship train rolling.

He stated that Viking Motorsports and Matt DiBenedetto are teaming up behind the wheel of the #38, eyeing the horizon for new partnerships and sponsors to bolster the squad’s growth and secure its spot in more races. The short-term goal is to forge relationships that boost the team’s standing in points and performance. But for Matt DiBenedetto, there’s a bigger picture in play: “Looking at the big picture, this could be a long-term opportunity as well with their commitment to the sport.”

At 32, DiBenedetto isn’t new to the NASCAR scene, having made waves in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series playoffs last season with Rackley WAR. But he left folks wide-eyed when he decided to exit stage left from the team at season’s end, a move that came shortly after he was bumped out of the playoffs in the first round and subsequently released from his Rackley WAR gig ahead of schedule.

In his chat with Frontstretch, DiBenedetto opened up about his other ventures outside of racing, admitting they just couldn’t fill the racing hole in his life.

Kicking off 2024 without a team to race for sure puts the new #38 driver’s dedication to the test

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Chatting with Frontstretch, he shared, “After starting 2024 with no ride, it has been an interesting test of faith. Although I have some business and things outside of racing, it doesn’t fill the void of racing in NASCAR. This opportunity with Viking and the No. 38 team not only excited the heck out of me for the sake of getting back behind the wheel but also because I can sense the passion and commitment to the sport from Don and the whole group.”

DiBenedetto, who’s always all in, said he felt an instant connection with Don Sackett and the team. He’s eager to dive in and help shape the team’s future. Don Sackett matched that enthusiasm, confirming DiBenedetto will be at the helm for all post-Richmond races, except for the road courses and the two runs at Darlington Raceway.

Read More: Matt DiBenedetto’s Search for a NASCAR Seat Could Be Close to Its End

Matt DiBenedetto candidly mentioned that hitting the Darlington track hinges on snagging some sponsorship cash, so it’s really down to funding. As for the road courses, they’re just not there equipment-wise. This season is all about dipping their toes in the water part-time, gearing up for a full-on charge next year.