By Caleb Whisler, Staff Writer
On Wednesday at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, Leavine Family Racing announced their plans for the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season.
The organization announced that Matt DiBenedetto would be joining their organization and that they would join forces with Toyota Racing Development with a technical alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Matt (DiBenedetto) to our organization,” Bob Leavine, owner of Leavine Family Racing, said in a statement. “We feel that he’s going to be a great addition to the team with his great personality and experience on track within the series. It’s a tremendous feeling to know that we’re also able to announce our alignment with JGR and TRD for next season as well.
“Obviously, they’re both first-class organizations and proven winners, so for us to be able to align with them is a huge step for our organization. I’m excited as we continue to work ahead for 2019 thanks to getting Matt as our driver and Toyota as our manufacturer.”
The search for a new driver began for the organization when Kasey Kahne announced his retirement from full-time racing at Bristol Motor Speedway in August.
Leavine was heartbroken over Kahne’s announcement, especially with a ready-to-sign contract for him. However, the Friday morning of Kahne’s announcement, DiBenedetto was there to make his case for the seat.
“Matt came up to me, first one that caught me that Friday morning and grabbed me and said, ‘I want to drive to drive for you, I can make your team better,’” Leavine said. “I really like his desire and determination. Good kid. I said you’ll be in the process because I didn’t want to commit. So, he was in the process and obviously sitting here he came out on top. We think the world of him, his ability.”
During the announcement, LFR also confirmed that Regan Smith will continue to be in the No. 95 for the remainder of the season after Kahne announced that severe dehydration issues derailed his plan to finish the season.
For sponsorship, Leavine confirmed that Procore and Dumont Jets will return in 2019 and that additional sponsorship is still being worked out on.
Additionally, Leavine confirmed to reporters that the deal with DiBenedetto is a two-year deal, and the deal with Toyota is a two-year deal with the option for a third year.
Team personnel, such as crew chief, car chief, and engineers, is still being determined by all parties involved.