Matt DiBenedetto, a veteran of the NASCAR Cup Series, has recently experienced a series of adversity both off and on the racetrack, drawing attention to his ongoing Matt DiBenedetto personal challenges. As he grapples with professional setbacks and personal heartbreak, the racing community is taking notice of the turbulent season DiBenedetto is enduring.
Tough Season Professionally for Matt DiBenedetto
This month, Matt DiBenedetto and Viking Motorsports ended their partnership with three races left in the Xfinity Series season. Driving the #99 Chevy, DiBenedetto had previously guided the team as it moved to compete full-time and changed its manufacturer from Ford to Chevrolet. Despite these efforts, Viking Motorsports replaced him with Connor Mosack for the final races at Talladega, Martinsville, and Phoenix. Before his departure, DiBenedetto was ranked 22nd in the Xfinity Series standings, with his top result being a fifth-place finish in the spring race at Talladega.
Personal Tragedy Strikes DiBenedetto Family
Beyond the track, DiBenedetto’s personal life has been deeply affected. His wife Taylor was pregnant with twins, but the couple suffered the loss of both children. As they faced this tragedy, DiBenedetto’s father, Tony DiBenedetto, had to undergo emergency surgery to remove a brain tumor. Fortunately, Tony was released from the hospital within a day and is now recovering. The DiBenedetto family’s hardships have resonated with fans and peers across the NASCAR community.
“This is not a feel sorry for Matt. This is just me telling you everything. He’s always told you about his life. He’s never hid anything! I’m very proud of who Matt is and the kind things he does for everybody else that nobody knows about. Not many people can say in their lifetime that they cannot shine their kids shoes and I am saying this sincerely I cannot shine Matt shoes. He is a great son and I am very fortunate to have great children and wonderful grandchildren!”
— Tony DiBenedetto, Father
Portland Race Incident Adds to Difficulties
Matt DiBenedetto’s string of challenges was compounded during the Pacific Office Automation 147 at Portland International Raceway. In a harrowing moment, DiBenedetto found himself trapped in his #99 Chevy as a fire ignited at his feet late in stage one. Quickly pulling off the track, he exited onto the grass, removed his burning shoes, and received prompt attention at the infield care center, from which he was released while the race continued. The incident forced him to retire early, and he finished 34th overall.
“There was a fire. There was a fire down inside the, uh, at my feet. Um, my feet were really hot. There was a big fire, and I was trying I pulled off pulled off. I was trying to get out, and my lace got wrapped around the pedal—uh, my shoelace—and so I couldn’t get out. So, my feet were just stuck in the fire, and, uh, thank God, on the third try, I was able to get out.” [00:10]
— Matt DiBenedetto, Driver
As the race concluded, JR Motorsports rookie Connor Zilisch captured his eighth win of the season, while DiBenedetto’s hopes for a strong finish were dashed due to the fire incident.
Community Support and Looking Forward
Through these professional separations and deeply personal losses, DiBenedetto has remained candid with fans and media alike, refusing to shy away from discussing the difficulties he faces. His father, Tony DiBenedetto, emphasized Matt’s integrity and kindness, qualities noted and admired by fellow drivers such as Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Ryan Blaney. While facing setbacks at tracks like Talladega, Martinsville, and Phoenix, DiBenedetto’s resilience has become a point of discussion and inspiration for many in motorsports circles, including organizations like JR Motorsports and NASCAR itself.
As Matt DiBenedetto navigates through this turbulent period, his story has prompted conversation about perseverance and the importance of community in NASCAR. With no clear path defined for the remainder of the season, many observers are watching closely to see how the veteran will rebuild his career and personal life, while continuing to serve as an example of grit in the face of adversity.
Haven’t seen may people talk about this but Matt dibenedettos father, Tony dibenedetto went on facebook talking about how Matt is doing. Keep him in yalls thoughts and prayers seems like matt’s going through a lot at the moment. pic.twitter.com/cgpGb2p9wG
— SG_Racing (@sports_racing48) October 23, 2025
