In a significant turn in Matt DiBenedetto NASCAR Xfinity news, Viking Motorsports has chosen to part with Matt DiBenedetto just before the upcoming race at Talladega Superspeedway. The team announced the move a few days ahead of the event, appointing Connor Mosack as DiBenedetto’s replacement for the remaining races in the NASCAR Xfinity Series season.
Viking Motorsports Changes Lineup Before Talladega
This morning’s news concludes DiBenedetto’s time with Viking Motorsports before the end of the current season, despite an initially promising partnership that had run from 2024 and nearly through all of 2025. After a year that saw both team and driver searching for consistency, DiBenedetto will vacate the No. 99 Chevrolet as Mosack steps in for the last three events, starting with Talladega.
DiBenedetto’s tenure with the organization began with optimism, but performance on the track was lacking. The standout result—a fifth-place finish earlier this season, also at Talladega—remained the only top-10 for the team all year. This outcome, combined with ongoing challenges, appears to have influenced the decision to make a driver change at this late stage of the schedule.
Viking Motorsports shared more about the decision and Mosack’s appointment in a public statement.
“Viking Motorsports announced today that Connor Mosack will drive the No. 99 Viking Motorsports Chevrolet for the final three races of the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, beginning at Talladega Superspeedway. … Viking Motorsports will share additional details regaridng its driver lineup for the 2026 season at a later date,”
– Viking Motorsports, Team Press Release
Jeremy Lange, the team’s General Manager, recognized DiBenedetto’s role in building up the program in its inaugural season:
“We’d like to thank Matt for his contributions throughout our inaugural season,”
– Jeremy Lange, GM, Viking Motorsports
“He played a meaningful role in establishing the foundation of this team, and we wish him the best.”
– Jeremy Lange, GM, Viking Motorsports
Challenges with Results and Sponsorship
The move arrives after a turbulent year where DiBenedetto and Viking Motorsports struggled to meet expectations. The fifth-place result at Talladega was a rare high point in a season otherwise defined by setbacks, including a string of four consecutive DNFs during the summer months and a current position of 22nd in series points. Such statistics underscored the difficulties both parties faced in mounting a competitive campaign.
In addition to performance challenges, sponsorship problems loomed over the No. 99 team. Sustained backing proved elusive, and much of the support appeared sporadic or tied to broadcast arrangements, such as with The CW. Financial pressures, exacerbated by inconsistent corporate partnerships, further complicated the situation for both driver and organization.
Looking Ahead for Matt DiBenedetto
At 34 years old, Matt DiBenedetto continues to seek stability and an opportunity that fits his personality and driving skills. While his track record suggests he has potential left to deliver strong performances, limited rides and tight competition in both the Xfinity and Truck Series make climbing back into a competitive seat a significant challenge. Despite the disappointment, there are still possibilities for DiBenedetto down the road as several teams may consider lineup changes for next season.
The shake-up at Viking Motorsports just before Talladega underscores the intense pressures and shifting alliances that characterize modern stock car racing. The team’s forthcoming announcements about its 2026 lineup will be closely watched, while DiBenedetto’s future in NASCAR remains a subject of keen interest among fans and industry observers alike.
Viking Motorsports announcement pic.twitter.com/LWR01i62nK
— Viking Motorsports (@VKNGMotorsports) October 13, 2025
