Matthew Gould Bio
Matthew Michael Gould is an American professional stock car racing driver. Born on January 8, 2006, in Mooresville, North Carolina, he has established himself as a rising talent in NASCAR’s development ranks. Gould last competed part-time in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, driving the Nos. 41 and 44 Chevrolet Silverado RSTs for Niece Motorsports. His racing background includes experience in the ARCA Menards Series and ARCA Menards Series East, where he developed the skills necessary for national competition.
Early Life and Background
Gould was born in Mooresville, North Carolina, a city known as the hub of stock car racing. Growing up in this environment provided him with early exposure to the sport and its culture. He is the son of Phil Gould, who currently serves as the crew chief of the No. 45 truck for Niece Motorsports. This family connection to racing has been instrumental in shaping his career path and understanding of the sport.
Path to NASCAR
Gould’s journey to NASCAR began in regional racing series, where he honed his driving abilities and learned race craft. He competed in the Allison Legacy Series in 2019, running eight races and finishing ninth in the final standings with a best finish of fourth at both Orange County Speedway events. He returned to the series the following year, securing a fourth-place finish at Anderson Speedway. These early experiences provided the foundation for his progression through the racing ladder.
Matthew Gould Career
Early Career (2019-2022)
Gould transitioned to the NASCAR Late Model stock series, where he found success over two years. Between 2021 and 2022, he earned three wins at notable tracks including Orange County Speedway, Florence Motor Speedway, and Hickory Motor Speedway. These victories demonstrated his ability to compete at higher levels and positioned him for advancement into ARCA competition.
ARCA Menards Series Breakthrough (2022-2023)
In 2022, Gould made his ARCA Menards Series debut at the Milwaukee Mile, driving the No. 40 Chevrolet for Niece Motorsports. This race also served as his ARCA Menards Series East debut as a combination event. After qualifying twelfth, he finished one lap down in tenth position. Later that season, he competed at Toledo Speedway, starting twelfth and finishing eighth. In 2023, Gould returned to ARCA competition at Bristol Motor Speedway with Cook Racing Technologies. Despite starting fifteenth, mechanical issues limited his race to twelve laps, resulting in a 31st-place finish.
Niece Motorsports Era (2024-Present)
On August 16, 2024, Niece Motorsports announced that Gould would make his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at Milwaukee in the team’s No. 44 Chevrolet Silverado RST. Unlike his previous ARCA starts with the team, Tom Ackerman served as his crew chief rather than his father Phil, who remained with the No. 45 truck. This debut marked a significant milestone in his career as he transitioned to national NASCAR competition.
Driving Style and Strengths
Gould has demonstrated proficiency on short tracks throughout his development years. His three Late Model victories came at Orange County Speedway, Florence Motor Speedway, and Hickory Motor Speedway, all known for their challenging layouts. His experience in the Allison Legacy Series and ARCA competition has prepared him for the technical demands of Truck Series racing.
Notable Races and Milestones
Gould’s career milestones include his ARCA Menards Series debut at Milwaukee Mile in 2022, where he finished tenth. His eighth-place finish at Toledo Speedway later that season represented his best ARCA result. The 2024 Truck Series debut at Milwaukee marked his entry into NASCAR’s national series, completing his progression through the racing ladder.
Matthew Gould Career Wins
Gould has compiled victories across regional racing series, demonstrating his competitive ability during his development years. His wins have come primarily in Late Model competition before advancing to national NASCAR series.
NASCAR Late Model Stock Series Highlights
Gould earned three wins in the NASCAR Late Model stock series between 2021 and 2022. His victories came at Orange County Speedway, Florence Motor Speedway, and Hickory Motor Speedway. These accomplishments helped establish his reputation as a competitive driver in the regional racing scene.
Matthew Gould Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Phil Gould, Matthew’s father, serves as the crew chief of the No. 45 truck for Niece Motorsports. This family connection has provided Matthew with valuable insight into the technical and strategic aspects of professional racing. The racing knowledge passed down from his father has contributed to his development as a driver.
2025 Season Performance
Gould entered the 2025 season with potential for expanded opportunities in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Following his debut with Niece Motorsports in 2024, he aimed to build on that experience and secure additional racing events. His relationship with the team and his family connections within the organization positioned him well for continued development. The season presented opportunities to demonstrate growth in competition and establish himself as a capable driver at the national level.