With Matt Dibenedetto’s Long Sponsorship Search Coming to an End, Is a Full-Time Return for the NASCAR Star in Sight?

Last year, Matt DiBenedetto shared a cryptic message with a pen emoji on his X account. Hinting about his potential return to the Cup Series after a long absence since the 2021 season. However, for all the hype and speculation surrounding his NASCAR future for the 2024 season, nothing materialized. But in light of the recent developments, it seems there’s still hope for the 32-year-old driver.

After failing to secure his Truck Series ride with Rackley WAR Racing for 2024, Matt DiBenedetto will now be joining Viking Motorsports to run a partial schedule in the Xfinity Series. Driving the No. 38 car for the team, the former Wood Brother Racing driver will compete in at least five oval races throughout the season. With the prospect of returning to competing full-time in NASCAR.

On his return to NASCAR, Matt DiBenedetto talks about his excitement

It was indeed a shocker for many when DiBenedetto decided that he would be leaving Rackley WAR at the end of the season. He was knocked out of competition in the playoffs, and the Truck Series team released the driver early after the race at Bristol. With no confirmed ride for the 2024 season, it felt like he could have run his last race in NASCAR, but there was a twist in the tale.

Expressing his thoughts about his move to Xfinity, DiBenedetto via Frontstretch said, “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.”

Don Sackett, the owner of Viking Motorsports, is hoping that DiBenedetto will run the remainder of the season’s races with the team, apart from the five confirmed races. In the hopes of him adding value to the team in terms of becoming a potential partner. “Our hope is that he goes the whole season with us. And maybe if he wants to stay in Xfinity and become a partner in a racing team, and maybe make it a long-term thing, if that’s something that interests him.”

However, if Sackett wants to grow Viking, he needs more sponsorship and outside partners, and this is where DiBenedetto plays a key role.

Chances of running full-time with Viking Motorsports

Viking has been using the RSS No. 38 font, with Sackett’s company, SciAps, sponsoring the ride for Ryan Sieg. So it’s a joint venture between the two teams, RSS and Viking, as they also share the revenue from the purse. RSS Racing provides the Viking with the pit crew and the hauler, whereas the Viking brings the race car and the spotter. For the time being, Viking is dependent on RSS Racing to provide them with the goods.

However, in case Matt DiBenedetto decides to stick around, he could very well turn into the partner for the new team and ensure his full-time ride in the Xfinity Series. “Obviously, with Matt joining, I think that’s going to be a big help. He’s got a lot of following; he’s got a lot of potential contacts with sponsor opportunities as well. So, we’re looking for outside sponsors, and we’ll hopefully find some,” Sackett went on to add.

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Competing in a total of 69 NASCAR Xfinity Series races, Matt DiBenedetto still hasn’t been able to register a single win. With five races to run this season, he will be hoping to break the winning drought. His first race of the season is scheduled for Richmond on March 30. He will also compete at Martinsville, Texas, Talladega, and Dover Xfinity Series races.