By Sarah Handy, Staff Writer
Wood Brothers Racing announced on Tuesday that their current driver, Paul Menard will retire from full-time competition following the conclusion of the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season and Matt DiBenedetto will be taking the reins of the iconic No. 21 Ford Mustang in 2020.
Paul Menard’s in his second full-time season with the Wood Brothers and his 13th full-time season in the Cup Series.
Heading into this weekend’s race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Menard has one win in the MENCS coming in the 2011 Brickyard 400 from the famed Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In addition, he has amassed 20 Top-5s, 69 Top-10s and 2 pole awards in 461 starts.
Menard stated his family as a primary season for him stepping away from full-time competition at NASCAR’s elite level.
“Its time spent away from family. I’ve got two young kids at home, watching them grow and missing out on things they’ve been doing as a father, as a parent.”, said Menard. “This sport takes so much dedication to run at the top level. I want what’s best for the 21 team, I want what’s best for my family, and I think this decision is based off of that primarily.”
Menard joins fellow competitor David Ragan as the second veteran driver to announce his retirement following this season.
Matt DiBenedetto who currently drives the No. 95 Toyota for Leavine Family Racing who announced last month that DiBenedetto wouldn’t be returning to the team next season.
When the news came from LFR on a driver change for 2020, it made tidal waves on social media, and many were left wondering just where fan favorite DiBenedetto would wind up next season and if he would have a ride.
(Photo: Jerry Jordan/KTT)
After leading 93 laps at Bristol, but ultimately finishing second to Denny Hamlin, DiBenedetto continued to remain optimistic about his future.
“I’m not done yet. Something will open.”, DiBenedetto said post-race.
He would be right with the announcement of Tuesday’s news.
The 28-year old California native is in his fifth season in the Cup Series and has been having the best season of his career to this point. In 2019 thus far, DiBenedetto has 3 Top-5s, 6 Top-10s and 15 Top-20 finishes heading into Las Vegas.
“It’s been a dream of mine to be able to drive for one of the most legendary teams in NASCAR. It’s going to be unbelievable, it’s surreal and it’s been amazing to have the opportunity”, said DiBenedetto.
“This season driving for LFR, to showcase what we can do and to elevate me and get me the opportunity to come over here and drive for the Wood Brothers. It’s going to be an incredible opportunity and I’m thankful for Paul, he’s always been such a big part of this sport, and he’s a great friend of mine, I’m happy for him and his future.”
Eddie Wood, team co-owner of the Wood Brothers said after Menard announced he was retiring the first question of course was, “Who should we get? The first thing out of Paul’s mouth was ‘Get Matt’. We did. Right away we started conversation with Matt. That’s the only direction we went. I’d like to thank Paul for putting us in that direction.”