DiBenedetto’s Future Expected to be Decided This Week

Following a photo finish against Denny Hamlin at Talladega Superspeedway, an emotional Matt DiBenedetto spoke about a difficult previous week he had and that his future for next season is unknown at this time.

“I just want to get this thing in victory lane. I am sorry for the emotions, just heartbreak. My wife and I have had a stressful week, again, I’m always fighting for my life”.

DiBenedetto was found violating the yellow line rule on the last lap at Talladega, sending him back to a 21st place finish to add to his heartbreak.

Currently, DiBenedetto is in his first season of a two-year contract with the Wood Brothers Racing team, with the second year being an “option” year for the team.

The option gives the team a choice to keep the driver in the car or gives themselves the option to part ways with the driver usually based on sponsorship or performance.

Per the team’s contract, Wood Brothers Racing needed to decide the option before October 1st on whether they will have DiBenedetto return to the famed No. 21 Ford in 2021.

However, the team and DiBenedetto signed a one-week extension to let the Wood Brothers make a decision on their 2021 plans.

With the Wood Brothers Racing team not picking up DiBenedetto’s option before October 1st, it should make you believe that the team is taking a serious look at Austin Cindric, the current Team Penske driver in the NASCAR Xfinity Series that already has over five victories in 2020.

On Wednesday, we will expect to hear if Matt DiBenedetto returns to the No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford in 2021.

“I just hope to win races; I know we can do it,” said Matt DiBenedetto, following the race at Talladega Superspeedway.