Matt DiBenedetto notes Richard Petty and God in apology
“Fuck Joe Biden” was an extremely popular phrase used at many sporting events. The phrase began at college football games.
In October, Brandon Brown went to victory lane at Talladega Superspeedway. In the background, the phrase made it’s way to the NASCAR grandstands.
As Brown stood on the front stretch for his post race interview, the NBC reporter understandably mistook the phrase for, “Let’s Go Brandon!”
Since then, “Let’s Go Brandon!” has taken over as the new phrase. It’s spread well beyond NASCAR events.
Related: NASCAR fans chant: “F*** Joe Biden!” (VIdeo)
NASCAR denounces phrase
On Friday at Phoenix Raceway, NASCAR denounced the “Let’s Go Brandon” movement. He noted they weren’t pleased that the popular phrase originated at a NASCAR race. They further added that NASCAR doesn’t get into politics on the left or the right.
Steve Phelps stated, “Do you like the fact that it started with NASCAR and is steadily progressing elsewhere? No, we’re not happy with that.”
Related: Read the full comments from the NASCAR president on the “Let’s Go Brandon!” movement
Later that day, fans used the chant following the NASCAR Truck Series race.
Matt DiBenedetto becomes first NASCAR driver to use the phrase
The very next day, a political journalist was in the NASCAR garage area with a “Let’s Go Brandon” shirt. Unlike many similar shirts, this one didn’t feature any of the NASCAR logo.
Matt DiBenedetto spoke to the journalist. DiBenedetto also shared a video of himself saying, “Let’s Go Brandon” just before climbing in the car ahead of Saturday qualifying.
Said video was shared to DiBenedetto’s Instagram with the caption, “It’s a movement that’s for sure…had a blast with my friend Benny Johnson today! Was proud to talk about fighting for our country and appreciating our military heroes who serve to defend our freedom.”
DiBenedetto also explained his comment via a separate video. Saying he used the phrase because he’s, “Gotta fight for God, Country and Freedom, that’s why.”
Related: NASCAR driver Matt DiBenedetto says “Let’s Go Brandon!”
Matt DiBenedetto feels guilt after Phoenix Raceway
“So, this will be the most guilt filled video that I’ll ever do and rightfully so,” Matt DiBenedetto stated via a social media video.
“The Wood Brothers have always told me, ‘Hey, be Richard Petty.’ Cause he just has so much respect. He carries himself so well. He’s a role model, an idol of mine.”
“This past weekend — I’ve had a horrendous last couple of weeks. Which is no excuse. I let my anger for things going on worldly get the best of me.”
“I had the most guilt laid on me that I’ve ever had laid on me, that I’ve ever had. That was from the big man upstairs.”
“It was basically like he said, “Congratulations man, you had an opportunity this weekend to take all those emotions and feelings you have for what you’re passionate about and spread a good message through Christ-like character. Goodness, kindness and also fighting for freedom and individual liberty.’ “
“I knew that’s what I was suppose to do. And, I asked out of raw emotion and anger, all those things that a lot of people feel these days. And, it’s not right.”
“Again, I passionately believe in those things. But, I don’t live it the right way. Shame on me.”
DiBenedetto understands the loss of respect
“I deserve whatever loss of respect that I get from some people. I’m just going to be vulnerable because I had a lot of guilt weighed on me. For good reason.”
“That’s just speaking of me and how I was suppose to handle it. I’m suppose to hold myself to a higher standard. I was reminded last night in a guilt that I can’t even explain of why I’m suppose to hold myself to that higher standard.”
“That’s it. I’ll probably take a little breather this week an recoup. It’s been a rough couple few weeks.”
“On my other videos, I’ve said, ‘We have to be better.’ This one’s not that. This one’s, ‘I have to be better.’ That’s it.”
DiBenedetto just competed his last race for Wood Brothers Racing. He’s now a free-agent with no deal confirmed for 2022.
Matt DiBenedetto regrets actions at Phoenix Raceway (Video)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CWBP4Lnl5MM/
Related: Matt DiBenedetto comments on Kyle Busch; Deletes account
