By Sarah Handy, Staff Writer
In this week’s edition of Flashback Friday, Kickin’ The Tires relives when NASCAR driver Matt Kenseth won the Can-Am 500 from ISM Raceway on November 12, 2017 for Joe Gibbs Racing.
NASCAR veteran driver Matt Kenseth won for the first time in 2017 during Sunday’s Can-Am 500 in Phoenix, passing Hendrick Motorsports driver Chase Elliott on the final lap in his No. 20 Circle K Toyota to claim his second victory at ISM Raceway (previously Phoenix.)
Kenseth spoiled Elliott’s shot at his first career Cup victory as well as advancing to the Championship 4 at Homestead-Miami Speedway the following week.
The win, the first for Kenseth in 2017 came at a time when the driver was without a ride for the 2018 season and had been eliminated from the playoffs in the Round of 12.
“I don’t know what to say except thank the lord,” said Kenseth post-race. “It’s been an amazing journey. Just got one race left and everybody dreams of going out a winner. We won today. Nobody can take that away from us.”
The win was the 39th of Kenseth’s career and potentially his last as he was being replaced by Erik Jones in the No. 20 at Joe Gibbs Racing for the 2018 Cup season.
(Photo by: NKP)
Career Update:
The 2017 season wouldn’t be Matt Kenseth’s final in the Cup Series. Kenseth went on to race in 15 events in the No. 6 Ford for Jack Roush in 2018 earning two top-10 finishes.
Kenseth hasn’t raced in the Cup Series since Homestead-Miami Speedway at the conclusion of the 2018 season.
Overall, Kenseth spent 21 years in NASCAR’s premiere series winning the 2003 Winston Cup Series Championship and earning 39 wins, 181 top-five’s, 329 top-ten’s and 20 pole awards through out his career.