Some Team Will be Happy to Have Matt DiBenedetto

As of this writing, Matt DiBenedetto will be without a Cup Series ride come 2020, and that’s sad to see.

DiBenedetto, fresh off being told he would be bumped from the No. 95 ride for Leavine Family Racing after the end of this season, scored his best finish since joining the Cup Series in 2015, runner-up at Bristol. Saturday was also the second time this season (and his career) that he led the most laps in a race.

Fully embracing the underdog role with Rocky gear and the backing of fans, DiBenedetto made good on his promise to race his heart out even after getting the bad news that he would not return to Leavine Family Racing. While DiBenedetto is well outside of the top 16 to race into the chase playoffs, surprise wins at Darlington and/or Indianapolis could skyrocket this team to huge success, and more importantly, for DiBenedetto’s future.

Fortunately for DiBenedetto, some rides for other teams are still in question for the 2020 season. Let’s look at a few of them:

Chip Ganassi Racing, No. 1: Kurt Busch found success with Ganassi in his first year with the team, proving he still has what it takes to compete for wins. So far, Busch has one win, five top-five’s, and 13 top-10 finishes, as well as clinching a spot in the chase. Meanwhile, his teammate, Kyle Larson continues to struggle. It’s surprising that Ganassi hasn’t resigned Busch to an extension yet, but barring any surprises, don’t count on DiBenedetto racing the No. 1 next year.

Stewart-Haas Racing, No. 14: This is the final year of Clint Bowyer’s current contract with SHR, and with two races to go in the regular season, things aren’t looking good for Bowyer as he’s outside, looking in. It also doesn’t help that the guy he has to beat for the final playoff spot is his teammate, Daniel Suarez. SHR is a top-tier team in the Cup Series, but has been awfully quiet in 2019, sans two Kevin Harvick wins. After a renaissance 2018 that saw Bowyer return to victory lane (twice), the No. 14 team has taken a step back with just 10 top-10 finishes on the year and seven finishes outside the top 20. There are indications that Bowyer will stay with SHR, but perhaps it would be in Tony Stewart and Gene Haas’ best interests to sign a guy with long-term potential like DiBenedetto.

Front Row Motorsports, No. 38: With David Ragan’s impending retirement after 2019, a ride will definitely be open for DiBenedetto. However, let’s face it. FRM does not have the best materials needed for consistent success. DiBenedetto would be taking a step back should he sign with this team, which hasn’t been to victory lane since Talladega in 2013.The best he can hope for here is to wow a bigger team for future success.

While other smaller teams like Rick Ware Racing, Spire Motorsports and Premium Motorsports would also be possible landing areas (albeit part-time), the fact is DiBenedetto has been more competitive as the season wears on. Over the past 10 races, he has notched three top-five’s and five top-10s. Had Leavine Family Racing showed some patience, they could have seen the fruits of their labors with DiBenedetto. However, with Christopher Bell on deck, it’s likely this team will see victory lane next season.