Matt DiBenedetto Bio
Early Life and Background
Matthew Guido DiBenedetto was born on July 27, 1991, in Nevada City, California, and raised in Grass Valley, California. He is the son of Tony and Sandy DiBenedetto and has three siblings. DiBenedetto’s interest in auto racing began at a young age, inspired by his father’s racing background. His father, who raced an Opel Manta in SCCA and IMSA during the late 1970s and early 1980s, encouraged him to pursue his passion for racing after noticing his preference for watching races over playing baseball.
At the age of eight, DiBenedetto received a Little League trophy, which sparked his interest in competitive racing. His father bought him a used kart, leading to his first victory in mini kart racing. This early success set the stage for his future in motorsports, as he progressed to the UARA-Stars series, where he raced late models.
Path to NASCAR
DiBenedetto’s journey in racing began in earnest when he joined the UARA-Stars series in 2008, where he drove for the Fat Head Racing Driver Development Program alongside notable drivers like Darrell Wallace Jr. and Brennan Poole. His talent caught the attention of Joe Gibbs Racing, which offered him opportunities in the NASCAR Camping World East Series. His early achievements laid the groundwork for his eventual transition to the NASCAR ranks.
In 2009, DiBenedetto made his debut in the NASCAR Nationwide Series at Memphis Motorsports Park, driving for Joe Gibbs Racing. He competed part-time in the series for several years, gaining valuable experience and honing his skills on the track.
Matt DiBenedetto Career
Early Career (2009–2014)
DiBenedetto’s professional racing career began in 2009 when he made his first appearance in the NASCAR Nationwide Series. He raced part-time for Joe Gibbs Racing, achieving two top-ten finishes in six races during his 2010 season. His early years were marked by challenges, including a stint as a start-and-park driver, which provided him with crucial seat time despite limited success.
In 2015, DiBenedetto made his debut in the NASCAR Cup Series, initially driving for BK Racing. He faced difficulties in qualifying for races but eventually secured a full-time ride with the team. His persistence paid off when he achieved his first career top-ten finish at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2016, marking a significant milestone in his early career.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Breakthrough (2019–2025)
DiBenedetto’s breakthrough came in 2019 when he signed with Leavine Family Racing to drive the No. 95 Toyota Camry. He nearly won the Daytona 500, leading 49 laps before being involved in a late-race incident. His strong performance continued throughout the season, culminating in his first playoff appearance in 2020 after finishing 13th in the standings.
In 2025, DiBenedetto joined Viking Motorsports, driving the newly renumbered No. 99 Chevrolet Camaro SS. He started the season with promising results, including back-to-back top-fifteen finishes in the first two races. His best result came at the Ag-Pro 300 at Talladega, where he finished fifth, showcasing his competitive edge in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Viking Motorsports Era (2025–Present)
DiBenedetto’s tenure with Viking Motorsports began with high expectations. He quickly established himself as a key driver for the team, demonstrating his skill and determination on the track. Throughout the 2025 season, he consistently performed well, earning multiple top-ten finishes and solidifying his reputation as a competitive driver in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
Despite facing challenges, including a mid-season announcement of his departure from the team, DiBenedetto’s performance remained commendable. His ability to adapt and compete at a high level has kept him in the spotlight as a driver to watch in the series.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
DiBenedetto is known for his aggressive driving style and strategic approach to racing. His experience across various series has equipped him with the skills to navigate complex race situations effectively. He is recognized for his determination and resilience, often pushing through challenges to achieve competitive results.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
DiBenedetto’s career highlights include winning the 2007 UARA-Stars Late Model Series Rookie of the Year award and achieving his first national series win in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Talladega in 2022. His ability to secure top finishes in high-pressure situations has made him a fan favorite and a respected competitor in the NASCAR community.
Matt DiBenedetto Career Wins
DiBenedetto has achieved notable success across various NASCAR series, with a total of one win in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and multiple top-ten finishes in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Cup Series.
Current NASCAR Xfinity Series Highlights
In the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series, DiBenedetto has secured multiple top-ten finishes, including a fifth-place finish at the Ag-Pro 300 at Talladega. His consistent performance has kept him competitive in the standings, showcasing his potential for further success in the series.
Previous NASCAR Series Achievements
In the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, DiBenedetto achieved his first national series win at Talladega in 2022 and finished 10th in the standings in 2023. His time in the NASCAR Cup Series included a career-best finish of 13th in 2020, demonstrating his growth and adaptability as a driver.
Matt DiBenedetto Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
DiBenedetto was born into a supportive family that fostered his love for racing. His father, Tony, was an amateur racer, which influenced DiBenedetto’s early interest in motorsports. He has three siblings, including a brother who serves in the United States Air Force.
Personal Life
DiBenedetto married his childhood friend, Taylor Carswell, in 2015. The couple resides in Hickory, North Carolina, and shares a dog named Brian. DiBenedetto has also made appearances in popular culture, including a cameo in the television series Lethal Weapon.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a pivotal year for DiBenedetto as he drives for Viking Motorsports. He started strong with back-to-back top-fifteen finishes, showcasing his competitive spirit. As the season progresses, DiBenedetto aims to build on his momentum, targeting more top finishes and a potential playoff berth. His performance in the early races indicates a promising outlook for the remainder of the season, as he continues to adapt to the challenges of the NASCAR Xfinity Series.