Matt DiBenedetto to Wood Brothers Racing; Paul Menard set to retire

Matt DiBenedetto has located a new NASCAR ride for 2020

At the end of 2018, DiBenedetto left his ride. He didn’t have a new ride lined up but he took a leap of faith and hoped for the best.

Kasey Kahne then announced his retirement from the sport. DiBenedetto was signed as the replacement.

Last month, Matt DiBenedetto was informed that we would not be returning to the No. 95 with Leavine Family Racing in the 2020 racing season. DiBenedetto went on to nearly win his first career MENCS race at Bristol the week after.

Since then, the pieces have fallen in line. Paul Menard is the current driver of the No. 21 for Wood Brothers Racing. At the end of 2019, he will retire.

Now, BiBenedetto has fallen into a new ride. Starting in 2020, he will pilot the Wood Brothers Racing machine.

“We want to thank Paul Menard for his dedication to the team over the last two seasons,” NASCAR team owner Eddie Wood said in a statement.

“We’re looking forward to a strong finish to 2019 and we wish him nothing but the best for the future. All of us at Wood Brothers Racing are excited to welcome Matt DiBenedetto to the team beginning next season. Matt has shown a lot of promise on track and everyone has seen it in his results this season, especially over the past several months.”

“We want to continue to build on that success together as we gear up for 2020 and the future of Wood Brothers Racing,” Wood concluded

Matt DiBenedetto has spent the last five years in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. He’s collected three top-5 runs in the 2019 season with the underfunded Leavine Family Racing team.

“I am so excited about this opportunity to race for one of the most successful teams in NASCAR history beginning in 2020. The No. 21 Ford is one of the most accomplished and iconic cars in our sport and it will be an honor to join Wood Brothers Racing and help carry on the team’s tradition of success in NASCAR. I want to thank Eddie and Len Wood, Kim Wood Hall, Menards, Edsel Ford and Ford Motor Company for this opportunity,” DiBenedetto said of the new opportunity.

Kevin Harvick and Paul Menard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway - NASCAR Cup Series
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – SEPTEMBER 08: Kevin Harvick, driver of the #4 Mobil 1 Ford, leads during the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Big Machine Vodka 400 at the Brickyard at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on September 08, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)

Paul Menard comments on retirement

“I’ve enjoyed every moment of my career racing in the NASCAR Cup Series and I’m so thankful for all the great memories and friendships I’ve made through this sport,” Paul Menard said.

“But I’m looking forward to spending more time at home with my wife Jennifer and our two young children while moving forward with the next chapter of my life.”

“I want to thank everyone at Wood Brothers Racing, along with Team Penske, and our partners at Menards, Motorcraft, Quick Lane Tire & Auto Centers and Ford. It’s been a privilege to work with them and some of the true legends of our sport, including Andy Petree, Dale Earnhardt Jr., Robert Yates, Richard Petty, Richard Childress, Roger Penske and Glen and Leonard Wood.”

“I’m excited for what the future holds and I’m looking forward to sharing the plans for 2020 and beyond in the coming weeks.”

Paul Menard has spent the last 16 years in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. He collected one win in 2011.

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Matt DiBenedetto | Wood Brothers Racing | Leavine Family Racing | NASCAR

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