By: Zach Catanzareti, Staff Writer
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — In July of 2018, Matt DiBenedetto took an almighty leap into the unknown in terms of both his racing career and professional life.
Leaving Go Fas Racing with no set plans for the 2019 NASCAR season, doubts circled around the fan favorite as to where (if any) he would land come Daytona in February.
“Every year is kind of a make-or-break year and that’s how this sport is, especially in my situation being a first-generation guy and not having a ton of funding,” DiBenedetto said Wednesday during Daytona 500 Media Day. “Amazing opportunity. I know that we will all together make the most of it.”
That time has come and DiBenedetto is in solid shape.
Joining Leavine Family Racing in October, the 27-year-old has his best opportunity in his most competitive equipment yet in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. LFR maintained an average finish of 22.9, compared to DiBenedetto’s 27.0 last year with Go Fas.
With good equipment and a race-winning crew chief Mike Wheeler on the box, a return to Toyota is also something on DiBenedetto’s mind for 2019, as the Californian has his start in the Xfinity Series with Toyota and Joe Gibbs Racing.
“It’s just crazy. That’s why you never burn any bridges,” he said. “Who would’ve thought nine or 10 years later I’m back with Toyota?
“I’ve maintained a great relationship with them. I’ve always felt really comfortable with them. Back with an alliance and affiliation with JGR, I walked in their shop just a couple weeks ago and it was just odd eight or nine years later to be walking back in. Glad to still have good relationships with all of those people.”
The parts, pieces and people are all aligned for DiBenedetto and team No. 95 in 2019. The performance to come is still in question.
“This is a performance-based sport and I have to do my job to the best of my ability,” he said. “I know I can do that, so as long as I keep doing what I’ve been doing, I feel like every year has been equally crucial in my career to get me to this point.
“You’re only as good as the people around you and that’s what makes me feel good.”