Joe Gibbs Racing development driver Matt DiBenedetto to make Nationwide debut
Matt DiBenedetto is preparing to make his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut with Joe Gibbs Racing. // Steve Dykes, Getty Images
Joe Gibbs Racing development driver Matt DiBenedetto is scheduled to make his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut at Memphis Motorsports Park in October.
DiBenedetto, who last month won the NASCAR Camping World Series East race at Tri-County (N.C.) Motor Speedway in just his second start in the series, turns 18 in July.
“With testing out of the way, it’s a lot harder to bring guys along, but everything he has done has been real encouraging,” JGR President Joe Gibbs said. “We’ve watched him for years. He’s got a real gift. He went and tested with our guys last year and did a great job.”
Obviously, JGR isn’t afraid to put young drivers in cars. One of its Sprint Cup drivers, Joey Logano, turns 19 on Sunday.
“It would be good for the sport, too, to get some young guys in there,” Gibbs said about the upcoming Nationwide debut for DiBenedetto. “We throw them in there. We learn real quick, sink or swim – but [DiBenedetto] can swim pretty well.”
