Joe Gibbs Racing development driver Matt DiBenedetto to make Nationwide debut

By Bob Pockrass - Associate Editor
Monday, May 18, 2009
Matt DiBenedetto is preparing to make his NASCAR Nationwide Series debut with Joe Gibbs Racing. (Steve Dykes / Getty Images)

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.”
 

Comments

2 responses to "Joe Gibbs Racing development driver Matt DiBenedetto to make Nationwide debut". Post a Comment.
  1. 1
    Kyle Newton said:
    May 19, 2009 at 8:32 AM

    Hope he turns out just like Logano. People fail to realize that Joey is better than people think. Hope Matt does good. Have a good birthday Sunday. Hope Kasey Kahne wins, but if Joey wins he can be the third ever driver to win a cup race on his birthday, second JGR driver to do that. Go Kasey, Joey, and Matt!

  2. 2
    Kyle Newton said:
    May 19, 2009 at 8:32 AM

    Not Kenseth, Debenedetto!

Post a Comment

Disclaimer: All comments are subject to filtering for language, and libelous content. Comments are intended to encourage spirited debate and discussion about the subject matter contained within the articles and ARE NOT intended for personal or demeaning attacks directed at other users. We reserve the right to remove any comments deemed inappropriate. Users who violate this policy may be banned from posting comments on the site.

Comment Preview

Mar 17, 2010 at 2:47 PM
You said:

You must login before you can post comments or rate content.

If you don't have an account you can create a free one here.

#

NASCAR Schedules

fox

Food City 500

Bristol Motor Speedway
01:00 PM, 03/21/2010
Check out the SPEED Calendar

Poll PositionView All

How should NASCAR penalize Carl Edwards?

Promotions

  • Tweet your thoughts about each race and join the conversation with other fans.

  • Drive an authentic NASCAR Sprint Cup car at the NASCAR Racing Experience.