Hot off the press: Anthony Alfredo is set to take the wheel for Our Motorsports in the Xfinity series come 2024. In a game of musical chairs with car numbers, the team is switching things up from 02 to No. 5, waving goodbye to 25, 26, and 99. The news was revealed by Bob Pockrass, on which a fan chimed in to ask the whereabouts of the No. 25 of Rackley WAR driver, Matt DiBenedetto, an alumnus of Joe Gibbs Racing in the Xfinity series. This August, he had announced plans to part ways with the team at the end of the 2023 NASCAR Truck Season.

At the time, he kept his cards close to his chest, only hinting at “exploring all options in all series.” DiBenedetto, who jumped ship to Rackley at the dawn of the 2022 Truck season after losing his full-time gig in the NASCAR Cup Series, left fans wondering what his next move would be. Now, the spotlight shifts back to DiBenedetto, leaving fans curious about the roadmap for his 2024 adventure.

What’s Next for Former Joe Gibbs Driver Matt DiBenedetto in 2024?

Alfredo is set to pilot the No. 5 Chevrolet Camaro for the upcoming season, with Dude Wipes grabbing the spotlight as the primary sponsor for the curtain-raiser at Daytona International Speedway. More partners are set to join the party, but details will be unwrapped later. The team has already teased fans with a sneak peek of the Dude Wipes-branded Chevrolet Camaro that Alfredo will commandeer at Daytona.

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As soon as the news broke on Twitter, thanks to Bob Pockrass, amidst the buzz, a curious fan quizzed about the plans of Matt DiBenedetto, the former Xfinity Series driver for Joe Gibbs Racing. Pockrass’s response was straightforward: “DiBenedetto still looking for sponsors. Nothing set yet for 2024.”

Not one to sit on the sidelines, previously, as per jayski.com, DiBenedetto had taken the wheel on Instagram to share his side of the story. “Just an update of everything going on. Everything is good. Everything is good in our world. No, I’m not retiring… I love NASCAR. I love driving in circles for a living. I’m not going anywhere.” He shared his ongoing efforts to forge partnerships and hinted at possible opportunities: “The short answer is: we are working on sponsors.”

Despite his optimism, fans seem to have a different take. Following Pockrass’s tweet about DiBenedetto’s sponsorship search, the driver faced some heat from fans who speculated that his not-so-smooth sailing with teams might be a stumbling block in his quest for sponsorship.

Fans hold no punches in critiquing Matt DiBenedetto’s career choices

NASCAR fans usually rally behind drivers facing tough times, but this episode has them singing a different tune. Rather than picking sides, they decided to dish out some tough love. One fan couldn’t help but lament DiBenedetto’s decision, pointing out, “Walked away from the best chances he’s going to get. A real shame too, Rackley was finally finding consistent speed.” 

Echoing this sentiment, another added, “He probably should not have left rackley.” Another fan, while acknowledging that Matt might not have made any glaring mistakes, suggested that he’s still the architect of his own misfortune: “It’s hard to feel sorry for Matt. He’s done nothing but let himself down. In the words of Harry Hall, Your a victim of your own damn crime!”

Another bluntly stated, “He’s just not that good. Can folks move on from him please!” Someone else chimed in, critiquing his decision to leave Rackley WAR without a backup plan, “Apparently, he still does not understand the business of NASCAR. No need to quit your job when you have no options for a new one. And he should stop burning bridges when he leaves these companies.”

A fan also recalled DiBenedetto’s 2021 foray into political advocacy, a no-no in NASCAR’s book, remarking, “It’s hard to find sponsors when you have a history of disrespecting sponsors!”

Read More: “I Am Not Retiring” – Joe Gibbs’ Former Driver Gives Update for 2024 After Getting Axed Mid-Season

As for what’s cooking for Matt DiBenedetto in 2024, that remains to be seen. For the moment, he’s on the sidelines, waiting for his next play.