With news of Harrison Burton moving to the Wood Brothers #21 car, it leaves Matt DiBenedetto on the lurch. The driver broke the news in a Facebook video and also revealed his emotions. He insisted that no blame can be leveled at Wood Brothers Racing because they were like a family to him. However, DiBenedetto did confess that losing the ride ‘sucked’. He said [https://nascar.nbcsports.com/2021/07/15/matt-dibenedetto-says-in-video-that-losing-ride-does-suck-but-says-he-will-win-in-cup/], “I’m super appreciative for the opportunity, appreciative that we have a good chunk of season left to kick butt and just know that I’m here to win in the Cup Series. “I’m going to, through all the heartache, all the frustration, all the obstacles, all the craziness of what I told you about with our team not being where it needs to be, all this stuff, I don’t care, I’m going to overcome all of that.” WHAT LIES IN THE FUTURE FOR MATT DIBENEDETTO? The soon-to-be 30-year-old is in his second season with Wood Brothers Racing. Now it looks like he and the outfit will be parting ways. From 57 starts with the outfit, Matt DiBenedetto has notched up five Top-5 finishes. However, the win continues to elude him to this day and time is running out. NASCAR- Matt DiBenedetto [https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/20200902145819/Matt-DiBenedetto.jpg]NASCAR- Matt DiBenedetto COURTESY: GETTY For now, the driver simply has to cherish the time he has left with Wood Brothers Racing. At the same time, he must try to deliver as many decent performances as possible. The next few races will not only be his bid for the playoffs but there is something bigger at stake. In essence, the remainder of the season will be one massive audition for any Cup Series team to recruit him to their side. All that DiBenedetto needs to do is put his head down and charge. As a driver who is on the outskirts of a playoff berth, he needs to be more aggressive and ruthless to try and qualify. READ MORE: Why the Future of Matt DiBenedetto Hangs on Keselowski’s Decision to Join Roush Fenway [https://www.essentiallysports.com/nascar-news-why-the-future-of-matt-dibenedetto-hangs-on-keselowskis-decision-to-join-roush-fenway/] 

Matt DiBenedetto must have been completely gutted to have lost his Wood Brothers
Racing drive to Harrison Burton for the 2022 NASCAR Cup season.

Dhruv George is a Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports, with an impressive record of over 14K articles. From F1 driver Pierre Gasly to Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino, Dhruv has interviewed several racers, establishing himself as an authoritative voice in the world of motorsports. He not only writes engaging content but helps connect readers with some of the biggest racing names thanks to his ability to churn out exclusive interviews.

Dhruv's ambition extends beyond writing, as he aspires to host a successful motorsports podcast with some of the biggest stars in the industry, like Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin. When he's not writing about Stock Car Racing, he can be found reading and writing fan fiction.

Dhruv George

Dhruv George is a Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports, with an impressive record of over 14K articles. From F1 driver Pierre Gasly to Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino, Dhruv has interviewed several racers, establishing himself as an authoritative voice in the world of motorsports. Dhruv's ambition extends beyond writing, as he aspires to host a successful motorsports podcast with some of the biggest stars in the industry, like Kyle Busch.

Dhruv George | Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports

EssentiallySports

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Dhruv George is a Senior NASCAR Author at EssentiallySports, with an impressive record of over 14K articles. From F1 driver Pierre Gasly to Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino, Dhruv has interviewed several racers, establishing himself as an authoritative voice in the world of motorsports. He not only writes engaging content but helps connect readers with some of the biggest racing names thanks to his ability to churn out exclusive interviews. Dhruv's ambition extends beyond writing, as he aspires to host a successful motorsports podcast with some of the biggest stars in the industry, like Kyle Busch and Denny Hamlin. When he's not writing about Stock Car Racing, he can be found reading and writing fan fiction.

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Dhruv-George-1-96x96.png

Dhruv George is a senior Formula One and NASCAR analyst for EssentiallySports,
having authored nearly 12000 articles spanning different sports like F1, NASCAR,
Tennis, NFL, and eSports. He graduated with a PG Diploma in Journalism from the
Xavier Institute of Communications. Dhruv has also conducted interviews with F1
driver Pierre Gasly and Moto2 rider Tony Arbolino. He has been an ardent
follower of motorsports sport since 2001, holding Carlos Sainz Jr. and McLaren
in high regard.

https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Dhruv_George.png

Why the Future of Matt DiBenedetto Hangs on Keselowski’s Decision to Join Roush
Fenway

Wood Brothers Racing driver Matt DiBenedetto in the race at Texas

NASCAR Cup Series Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500

FORT WORTH, TEXAS - OCTOBER 28: Matt DiBenedetto, driver of the #21 Menards/Richmond Ford, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

NASCAR Cup Series Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 - EssentiallySports

Starting off as a tennis author in 2018, Varun Khanna has gone on to contribute to EssentiallySports in various capacities. After setting up interviews with the likes of Serena Williams? coach Patrick Mouratoglou, Aliz? Cornet, and Noah Rubin, Varun is now part of all major ATP and WTA press conferences and has gone on to pen more than 1300 articles for EssentiallySports. He now heads the tennis and NBA division of the organization. While writing remains a passion for him, Varun has branched out into the marketing and communications department of EssentiallySports as well. When he wants to relax, Varun doesn?t have to venture away from tennis and NBA; he simply tunes in to Rafael Nadal and Michael Jordan?s exploits in their respective sports, past and present.

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Varun Khanna

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“It Does Suck”- Matt DiBenedetto Opens Up on Losing his #21 Ride Next Year

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NASCAR

NASCAR Archives

LatestNASCAR - EssentiallySports News | EssentiallySports

<h1 style="text-align: center"><b>NASCAR Cup Series: Origin, Teams and More</b></h1>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>What is the NASCAR Cup Series?</strong></h2>
NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) is the authorizing body for stock-vehicle racing in North America. It was established in 1948 in Daytona Beach, Florida. Currently, the organization fields four types of tracks: Intermediate tracks, Superspeedways, Short Tracks and Road Courses.

[caption id="attachment_2675743" align="alignnone" width="5162"]<img class="wp-image-2675743 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-02-20T005209Z_1919194866_MT1USATODAY22564783_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-DAYTONA-500.jpg" alt="NASCAR" width="5162" height="3322" /> Feb 19, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series drivers Corey LaJoie (7), Kyle Busch (8) and A.J. Allmendinger (16) race three wide for the lead during the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Origin</strong></h2>
The first-ever NASCAR race was held at Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway on June 19, 1949 and Christian David "Jim" Roper was the victor after racer Glen Dunaway was disqualified for making illegal adjustments to his car.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">On this day in 1949, NASCAR held its first-ever "Strictly Stock" race.</p>
Thirty-three drivers raced at Charlotte Speedway, six of which were future NASCAR Hall of Famers. Jim Roper was declared the winner following a disqualification to Glenn Dunaway. <a href="https://t.co/yBUDRcRxVo">pic.twitter.com/yBUDRcRxVo</a>

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASCAR/status/1670832065690972160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 19, 2023</a></blockquote>

<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>Why is it named Cup Series? </strong></h2>
The NASCAR Cup Series is the pinnacle of the racing arrangement in the NASCAR classification. The arrangement started in 1949 and was called the Strictly Stock Division. The series was subsequently known as the Grand National Division from 1950 to 1970.

Then, in 1971, it started renting its naming rights to the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company and was alluded to as the NASCAR Winston Cup Series till 2003. From the next year onwards, the series came to be known as the NASCAR Nextel Cup Series till 2007 after a partnership with Nextel.

Sprint obtained Nextel in 2005 and 2008 saw the arrangement being renamed as the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Sprint remained the sponsor of the NASCAR Cup from 2008 to 2016. It was reported in December 2016 that Monster Energy would be the sponsor; therefore, the arrangement was renamed the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series from 2017 to 2019.

However, after decades of name changes, in 2017, the organization finally decided to shed off its old image and simply be named as the NASCAR Cup Series, with series sponsors being called 'Premier Partners'.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>What is the format of the Cup Series?</strong></h2>
The NASCAR points system has been a complicated affair to say the least. Over the years, the organization has tried several iterations, namely the Latford system, the Chase and the current elimination playoffs format among others, to discern one that would be fair to each driver.

While the earlier system saw drivers being awarded points on the basis of prize money in a particular race, in 1972 a new format was introduced. This time the points were awarded on the basis of laps completed. However, even that came with its own flaws and just two years later, in 1974, the organization introduced point calculation based on a mathematical formula. However, given the complexity of the equation, Bill France Jr, the former CEO of NASCAR decided to step in and call upon his close friend Bob Latford, to come up with an efficient way, which later came to be known as Boot Hill Format or the Latford Model.

With equal points awarded in all races, as New York Times aptly put it: <em>"Mr. Latford set up his points scale to reward consistency rather than flashes of brilliance, and drivers seem to like it that way."</em>

This system was perhaps the longest-running one during that time, being replaced in 2003, by The Chase format. Currently, the NASCAR Cup Series operates on the Playoff Format. The schedule consists of 31 oval races, 4 road course races, one street track race, and 4 non-championship races to be held on ovals. This also includes 16 playoff races, with four elimination rounds, namely, Round of 16, Round of 12, Round of 4 and Championship 4.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Teams</strong></h2>
As of 2024, the NASCAR Cup Series has 16 full-time teams participating and three manufacturers, namely Toyota, Chevrolet and Ford. As for the team with the most number of victories and championship, Hendrick Motorsports has has an undebatable upper hand, with 305 Cup Series wins and 14 drivers championships.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Venue</strong></h2>
The first championship race was reportedly held at Martinsville Speedway, a half-mile oval, on October 16, 1949. Currently, the final race of a Cup season is held at the Phoenix Raceway, which is a one-mile, low-banked tri-oval race track located in Avondale, Arizona, near Phoenix.

[caption id="attachment_1351857" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1351857 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2022-11-07T003206Z_1075855806_MT1USATODAY19376372_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-CUP-CHAMPIONSHIP.jpg" alt="Joey Logano NASCAR" width="1920" height="1289" /> Nov 6, 2022; Avondale, Arizona, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Joey Logano (22) races in the final laps of the Cup championship at Phoenix Raceway. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Championship</strong></h2>
The NASCAR Cup Series hosts three different championship under one name: The Driver's Championship, the Owner's Championship and the Manufacturer's Championship. The driver's championship as the name suggests is the award given to the driver that has emerged as the winner at the end of a season. On the other hand, the Owner's Championship aims to reward the team at the top of the points standings. The driver with the most championship wins are Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt and Jimmie Johnson. Additionally, Rick Hendrick-owned Hendrick Motorsports has won a record-breaking 14 championships till date.

<img class="alignnone wp-image-1195372 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/ezgif.com-gif-maker-3-78.jpg" alt="Richard Petty Dale Earnhardt NASCAR" width="1850" height="1253" />

On a similar note, the Manufacturer's Championship sees Original Equipment Manufacturers(OEMs) being awarded a championship based on how races their cars managed to dominate and the points accumulated. In this regard, US-based manufacturer Chevrolet has racked up the most Cup Series wins at 42, followed by Ford at 17, and Toyota at 3.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Track Types</strong></h2>
As mentioned earlier, the NASCAR Cup series organizes its races on four different types of tracks, namely, Intermediate tracks, Superspeedways, Short Tracks and Road Courses.

When it comes to Intermediate tracks, it simply means <em>"any track greater than one mile in length, with the exception of both Daytona and Talladega" </em>according to the official NASCAR website and currently the Cup Series drivers compete on the following Intermediate tracks/Speedways :
<ul>
 	<li>Atlanta Motor Speedway (1.540-mile, Quad-Oval)</li>
 	<li>Charlotte Motor Speedway (1.500-mile Quad-Oval, including a 2.280 miles Road Course)</li>
 	<li>Darlington Raceway (1.366-mile, Egg-Shaped Oval)</li>
 	<li>Dover Motor Speedway (1.000-mile, Concrete Oval)</li>
 	<li>Homestead-Miami Speedway (1.500-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Kansas Speedway (1.500-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li>Las Vegas Motor Speedway (1.500-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li>Michigan International Speedway (2.000-mile, D-Shaped Oval)</li>
 	<li>Nashville Superspeedway (1.333-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li>New Hampshire Motor Speedway (1.058-mile, Paperclip Oval)</li>
 	<li>Phoenix Raceway (1.000-mile, Dogleg Oval)</li>
 	<li>Texas Motor Speedway (1.500-mile, Quad-Oval)</li>
 	<li>World Wide Technology Raceway (1.250-mile, Egg-Shaped Oval)</li>
</ul>
On the other hand, Superspeedways ae oval road courses of two miles or longer. Currently, the NASCAR Cup Series has the following Superspeedways:
<ul>
 	<li>Auto Club Speedway (2.000-mile, D-Shaped Oval; Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Chicagoland Speedway (1.500-mile, D-Shaped Oval; Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Daytona International Speedway (2.500-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
 	<li>Kentucky Speedway (1.500-mile, D-Shaped Oval)</li>
 	<li>Pocono Raceway (2.500-mile, Triangular Oval)</li>
 	<li>Talladega Superspeedway (2.660-mile, Tri-Oval)</li>
</ul>
The short tracks (less than 1 mile in length) that are part of NASCAR are:
<ul>
 	<li>Bristol Motor Speedway (0.533-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Eldora Speedway (0.500-mile, Oval; Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Iowa Speedway (0.875-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Knoxville Raceway (0.500-mile, Oval</li>
 	<li>Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum)</li>
 	<li>Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park (0.686-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Martinsville Speedway (0.526-mile, Paperclip Oval)</li>
 	<li>Milwaukee Mile Speedway (1.015-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>North Wilkesboro Speedway (0.625-mile, Oval)</li>
 	<li>Richmond Raceway (0.750-mile, D-shaped Oval)</li>
</ul>
As for Road Courses, NASCAR makes use of the following race tracks:
<ul>
 	<li>Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (2.459-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Chicago Street Race (2.14 miles)</li>
 	<li>Circuit of the Americas (3.426-mile)</li>
 	<li>DAYTONA Road Course (4.170-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course (2.400-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Portland International Raceway (1.967-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Road America(4.048-mile, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Sebring Raceway (3.741 mi, Currently not in use)</li>
 	<li>Sonoma Raceway (1.99-mile)</li>
 	<li>Watkins Glen International (2.45-mile)</li>
</ul>
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Crown Jewel Races</strong></h2>
While NASCAR has several racetracks that it competes on, there are a couple venues that are held in high regards. Currently there are four such venues/races, namely the Daytona 500 held at the Daytona International Speedway, the Coca-Cola 500 held at the Charlotte Motor Speedway , the Brickyard 400/Verizon 200 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Southern 500 at the Darlington Raceway.

Till date, Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman and retired NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon has the most number of Crown Jewel race wins (21), followed by Legacy Motor Club team owner Jimmie Johnson (14) and retired NASCAR driver Bobby Allison (13).

[caption id="attachment_1691261" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1691261 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Jimmie-Johnson-Jeff-Gordon.jpg" alt="Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon" width="1920" height="1280" /> January 20, 2017 - Charlotte, North Carolina, USA - Jimmy Johnson and Jeff Gordon introduce Rick Hendrick at the NASCAR Motorsport USA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Friday, January 20, 2017, in Charlotte, N.C. Rick Hendrick was inducted into the Hall of Fame with Richard Childress, Mark Martin, Raymond Parks, and Benny Parsons. 2017 NASCAR Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony - ZUMAw123 20170120_zap_w123_024[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series Cars</strong></h2>
NASCAR is an ever-evolving sport and till date, there have been several iterations of the cars used during races. If we go back to the very inception of the sport, the first kind of vehicle that was used used to be called Generation - 1 (1948-1966), followed by Generation - 2 (1967-1980) and Generation - 3 (1981-1991). Later the Generation - 4 (1992 to 2007) was introduced , and then Generation - 5 (2007 -2012) and Generation - 6 (2013-2021) came into play. And currently, NASCAR features the Generation - 7 car that is also known as the Next-Gen.

Anothe notable model was the Generation - 5. Dubbed as the<em> "Car of Tomorrow"</em>, this model featured flaunted prominent front splitters under the bumpers and larger rear wings. Apart from that, according to NASCAR, the car also had <em>"significant safety advancements and a return to symmetrical bodies". </em>

[caption id="attachment_2651610" align="alignnone" width="3461"]<img class="wp-image-2651610 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2024-02-16T030626Z_974940649_MT1USATODAY22533198_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-BLUEGREEN-VACATIONS-DUEL-1-AT-DAYTONA.jpg" alt="" width="3461" height="2307" /> Feb 15, 2024; Daytona Beach, Florida, USA; NASCAR Cup Series driver Martin Truex Jr. (19) during the Bluegreen Vacations Duel 1 at Daytona International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]
<h2 style="text-align: center"><strong>NASCAR Cup Series debut at the Street Course</strong></h2>
The NASCAR Cup Series has come a long way since its initial days. The organization has always been open to developments and one of the most exciting ones came in 2023,when the tourney made its Street Course debut at Chicago.

In a bid to turn make the schedule even more exciting, NASCAR officials were reportedly in talks with Chicago authorities for a number of years, with one attempt of a Chicago street race even dating back to the 1980s. However, owing to political pressure, that plan failed to materialize. Now, fast forward to four decades later and authorities were finally geared up to host an exciting, first-of-its-kind race in downtown Chicago.

[caption id="attachment_1911252" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1911252 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-07-03T052154Z_1117738559_MT1USATODAY20983749_RTRMADP_3_NASCAR-GRANT-PARK-220.jpg" alt="NASCAR" width="1920" height="1280" /> Jul 2, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; A general view as cars race along Grant Park during the Grant Park 220 of the Chicago Street Race viewed from the NEMA Chicago buliding. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]

Designed by race simulation video game developer iRacing, the race aimed to showcase the city's major landmarks such as the Buckingham Fountain, the Grant Park and the Soldier Field Stadium, among others.

The first iteration of the race came in July of 2023, with New Zealand born driver Shane van Gisbergen clinching victory in his first-ever NASCAR race. If that's not iconic, what is?

<img class="alignnone wp-image-2804674 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/F0HhwcqXoAI3_zb.jpeg" alt="" width="2048" height="1365" />
<table style="width: 75.2357%;height: 264px">
<tbody>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Full Name</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">NASCAR Cup Series</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Place of Origin</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Year of Origin</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">1949</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">First Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">NASCAR "Strictly Stock" Race, Charlotte Fairgrounds Speedway</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Last Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">NASCAR Cup Series Spring Race at Martinsville Speedway, 2024</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Crown Jewel Race</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Daytona 500, Coca Cola 600, Brickyard 400/ Verizon 200, Southern 500</span></td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Drivers with the most Championships</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Richard Petty (7), Dale Earnhardt (7) and Jimmie Johnson(7)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Team with the most Championships</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Hendrick Motorsports (14)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">First Champion</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Red Byron</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Defending Champion</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Ryan Blaney (2023)</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 24px">
<td style="width: 42.239%;height: 24px"><span style="font-weight: 400">Defending Team</span></td>
<td style="width: 237.884%;height: 24px">Team Penske</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;

NASCAR Cup Series

Here's everything you need to know about the NASCAR Cup Series, its Origin, Teams, History, Venues, Crown Jewel Races and more!

NASCAR Cup Series: Origin, Teams and More

NASCAR Cup Series Archives

[caption id="attachment_455751" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-455751" src="https://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1282746779.jpg" alt="Wood Brothers Racing driver Matt DiBenedetto in the race at Texas" width="1920" height="1280" /> FORT WORTH, TEXAS - OCTOBER 28: Matt DiBenedetto, driver of the #21 Menards/Richmond Ford, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)[/caption]
<h2>Wood Brothers Racing: 2021 Latest News, Stats, Schedule, Drivers</h2>
The Wood Brothers Racing is an American stock vehicle racing group that contends in the NASCAR Cup Series at present. Glen and Leonard Wood founded the team in 1950. Further from 2006 to 2008, the team merged with JTG Racing.

The Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest operating team in the field, running from 1950. Further, they have built a matured relationship with the Ford Motor Company, along with the use of No. 21 in their vehicles. Currently, the team is in association with Team Penske for technical terms.

The team has experienced a turnover of $30 million in its entire period of existence in the motorsport realm.
<h2>Achievements</h2>
Starting in 2020, the team contends in the Cup Series, basically. However, it ran in the Craftsman Truck Series for a short period too.

The team stepped foot for the Cup Series in 1953, and marked its arrival in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2006. Subsequently, the team has competed in 1692 races - 1615 races in the Cup Series and 77 races in the Craftsman Truck Series.

The team has aced 99 races over the course of its existence in the Cup Series. Further, it achieved 120 pole positions, 119 in the Cup Series, and 1 at the Craftsman Truck Series.
<h2>Drivers</h2>
The current lineup of Wood Brothers Racing fields the No. 21 for Matt DiBenedetto.
<h3>Wood Brothers Racing: Quick Facts</h3>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="175">OWNERS</td>
<td width="180">Leonard Wood

Glen Wood</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="175">SERIES</td>
<td width="180">NASCAR Cup Series</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="175">BASE</td>
<td width="180">Stuart, Virginia Mooresville, North Carolina</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="175">RACE DRIVERS</td>
<td width="180">21. Matt DiBenedetto</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="175">SPONSORS</td>
<td width="180">21. Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire &amp; Auto Center, Menards (Quaker State, FVP Batteries, Richmond Water Heaters, Moen, Knauf Insulation, Red Kap, Dutch Boy Paint, Monster Energy, Duracell, Tuscany Faucets, Wrangler), Reese/Draw Tite, NewFordTech.com</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="175">MANUFACTURER</td>
<td width="180">Ford</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="175">FOUNDED</td>
<td width="180">1950</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="175">LATEST RACE</td>
<td width="180">Cup Series:
2020 Season Finale 500 (Phoenix)
Craftsman Truck Series:
2008 Ford 200 (Homestead)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="175">RACE VICTORIES</td>
<td width="180">99</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="175">POLE POSITION</td>
<td width="180">120</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Wood Brothers Racing

FORT WORTH, TEXAS &#8211; OCTOBER 28: Matt DiBenedetto, driver of the #21 Menards/Richmond Ford, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) Wood Brothers Racing: 2021 Latest News, Stats, Schedule, Drivers The Wood Brothers Racing is an American stock vehicle racing group that contends in the NASCAR Cup Series at present. Glen and Leonard Wood founded the team in 1950. Further from 2006 to 2008, the team merged with JTG Racing. The Wood Brothers Racing is the oldest operating team in the field, running from 1950. Further, they have built a matured relationship with the Ford Motor Company, along with the use of No. 21 in their vehicles. Currently, the team is in association with Team Penske for technical terms. The team has experienced a turnover of $30 million in its entire period of existence in the motorsport realm. Achievements Starting in 2020, the team contends in the Cup Series, basically. However, it ran in the Craftsman Truck Series for a short period too. The team stepped foot for the Cup Series in 1953, and marked its arrival in the Craftsman Truck Series in 2006. Subsequently, the team has competed in 1692 races &#8211; 1615 races in the Cup Series and 77 races in the Craftsman Truck Series. The team has aced 99 races over the course of its existence in the Cup Series. Further, it achieved 120 pole positions, 119 in the Cup Series, and 1 at the Craftsman Truck Series. Drivers The current lineup of Wood Brothers Racing fields the No. 21 for Matt DiBenedetto. Wood Brothers Racing: Quick Facts  OWNERS Leonard Wood Glen Wood  SERIES NASCAR Cup Series  BASE Stuart, Virginia Mooresville, North Carolina  RACE DRIVERS 21. Matt DiBenedetto  SPONSORS 21. Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire &amp; Auto Center, Menards (Quaker State, FVP Batteries, Richmond Water Heaters, Moen, Knauf Insulation, Red Kap, Dutch Boy Paint, Monster Energy, Duracell, Tuscany Faucets, Wrangler), Reese/Draw Tite, NewFordTech.com  MANUFACTURER Ford  FOUNDED 1950  LATEST RACE Cup Series: 2020 Season Finale 500 (Phoenix) Craftsman Truck Series: 2008 Ford 200 (Homestead)  RACE VICTORIES 99  POLE POSITION 120

Wood Brothers Racing Archives

LatestWood Brothers Racing - EssentiallySports News | EssentiallySports

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Matt DiBenedetto must have been completely gutted to have lost his Wood Brothers Racing drive to Harrison Burton for the 2022 NASCAR Cup season.

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"It Does Suck"- Matt DiBenedetto Opens Up on Losing his #21 Ride Next Year

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[caption id="attachment_455734" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-455734" src="https://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1205344925.jpg" alt="Matt DiBenedetto during the NASCAR Cup Series" width="1920" height="1281" /> DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 09: Matt DiBenedetto, driver of the #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford, stands on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 09, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)[/caption]
<h2>Matt DiBenedetto: 2021 Net Worth, Salary, and Endorsement</h2>
Matthew Guido DiBenedetto is a renowned racer in NASCAR. At present, he is competing for the Wood Brothers Racing, cockpit No. 21, Ford Mustang. He replaced Paul Menard, who was racing for thirteen years in the team.
<h2>Matt DiBenedetto: Stats and Championship</h2>
Matt DiBenedetto began his hustling profession in NASCAR through Xfinity Series in 2009.

His maiden race was the 2009 Kroger On Track for the Cure 250 (Memphis). However, his best finish was recorded in 2019 CTECH Manufacturing 180 (Road America).

Apparently, he accomplished his best finish in 2014, ranking 21st. In addition,?the racer stood 100th in 2019.

In the tenure of six years, Matt clutched the gear for 69 races. However, he bagged no victories and poles in the period. Nonetheless, he climbed the ladder for two top 10s.

In NASCAR Cup Series, Matt began racing in 2015 and competed for BK Racing for a year (2015-2016). Following this, he jumped ship to Go Fas Racing, where he competed for one year too.

In 2019, he joined the Leavine Family Racing before finally leaping into Wood Brothers Racing in 2020.

Besides ranking 13th in the 2020 season, he also acquired his best finish as 13th.

He accomplished no triumphs and pole position. However, he conquered 22 top 10s in his career history so far.
<h2>Matt DiBenedetto: 2021 Net Worth</h2>
Matt DiBenedetto has several accolades tucked under his belt in twelve years. However, according to <a href="https://www.thesquander.com/matt-dibenedetto-net-worth-2018-what-nascar-driver-worth-15693247#:~:text=Matt%20DiBenedetto%27s%20net%20worth%20in,around%20%243%20Million%20%E2%80%93%20%246%20Million.">internet sources</a>, he has a net worth of $3 to $6 million as estimated in the 2021 season.

[caption id="attachment_455757" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-455757" src="https://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1284625593.jpg" alt="Matt DiBenedetto in action in NASCAR Cup Series" width="1920" height="1278" /> AVONDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 08: Matt DiBenedetto, driver of the #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series Season Finale 500 at Phoenix Raceway on November 08, 2020 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)[/caption]
<h2>Matt DiBenedetto: Foundations and Charity</h2>
Apart from his racing career, Matt has been active in the field of philanthropy. According to Fox Sports, Matt DiBenedetto has been into charity and funds promoting energetically. He ardently supports the foundation, 'Hope For The Warriors.'

The foundation helps the wounded and injured service members. It also supports and helps the family of the ones who died in the field of action.
<h2>Matt DiBenedetto: Sponsors</h2>
The 29-year-old racer has been not out of sponsors in his tenure so far. Procore, the company is at the lead for contributing and sourcing for the cloud-based applications for constructions.

The Barstool Sports sponsored the Grass Valley, California native for two Cup Races too.
<h2>Matt DiBenedetto: Career Highlights</h2>
The NASCAR racer earned the 2007 UARA-Stars Rookie of the Year Award. In 2008, he became the youngest driver to triumph at the Bristol Motor Speedway.

In 2009, he bagged two wins, three poles, earned two track records. He further claimed the most laps in the series, having only competed in seven of the 12 series races in the Camping World Series East Series for Joe Gibbs Racing.

In 2010, the racer claimed the ninth and 10th positions for Iowa Speedway and Nashville Speedway.

Then, in 2011, Matt earned the seven top fives and nine top 10s in a total of 12 races at the Bowman Gray Stadium.

In his entire six years of tenure in the NASCAR Cup Series, he grabbed the 13th position in the 2020 season, amidst the pandemic situation. He placed his position for 22 top 10s.

[caption id="attachment_455751" align="alignnone" width="1920"]<img class="size-full wp-image-455751" src="https://www.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-1282746779.jpg" alt="Wood Brothers Racing driver Matt DiBenedetto in the race at Texas" width="1920" height="1280" /> FORT WORTH, TEXAS - OCTOBER 28: Matt DiBenedetto, driver of the #21 Menards/Richmond Ford, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)[/caption]

In his six years time period at the NASCAR Xfinity Series, he pulled himself to the 100th rank in 2019. However, he achieved his best finish in 2014 ranking 21st. In addition, he scored two top 10s and witnessed no luck in the arena of trophies.
<h2>Matt DiBenedetto: Family</h2>
Matt DiBenedetto, aka DiBurrito, was born to Sandy and Tony DiBenedetto on July 27, 1991.

He grew up with his siblings Austin, Katie, and Kelley in Grass Valley, California.

In 2015, Matt tied the knot with his childhood friend, Taylor Carswell. She later took his last name after getting married.
<h2>How to Contact Matt DiBenedetto</h2>
DiBenedetto is highly active on social media. He keeps his followers updated through his <a href="https://twitter.com/mattdracing?s=08" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://instagram.com/mattdracing?igshid=1pz905ipf7zdb" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instagram</a> especially. He has his mail address provided too for reaching him, mattdracing@yahoo.com

Matt also has his official <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MattDiBenedettoRacing/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook</a> page and <a href="https://www.mattdracing.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">website</a> set up.
<h2>Matt DiBenedetto: Quick Facts</h2>
<table style="height: 275px" width="507">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td width="160">Age</td>
<td width="123">29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="160">Height</td>
<td width="123">5?9??</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="160">Marital Status</td>
<td width="123">Married</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="160">Spouse</td>
<td width="123">Taylor Carswell</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="160">Net Worth</td>
<td width="123">$3-$6 million</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="160">Nationality</td>
<td width="123">American</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="160">Religion</td>
<td width="123">Christianity</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="160">Favorite Pastime</td>
<td width="123">Golf</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Matt DiBenedetto

DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA &#8211; FEBRUARY 09: Matt DiBenedetto, driver of the #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford, stands on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 09, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) Matt DiBenedetto: 2021 Net Worth, Salary, and Endorsement Matthew Guido DiBenedetto is a renowned racer in NASCAR. At present, he is competing for the Wood Brothers Racing, cockpit No. 21, Ford Mustang. He replaced Paul Menard, who was racing for thirteen years in the team. Matt DiBenedetto: Stats and Championship Matt DiBenedetto began his hustling profession in NASCAR through Xfinity Series in 2009. His maiden race was the 2009 Kroger On Track for the Cure 250 (Memphis). However, his best finish was recorded in 2019 CTECH Manufacturing 180 (Road America). Apparently, he accomplished his best finish in 2014, ranking 21st. In addition,?the racer stood 100th in 2019. In the tenure of six years, Matt clutched the gear for 69 races. However, he bagged no victories and poles in the period. Nonetheless, he climbed the ladder for two top 10s. In NASCAR Cup Series, Matt began racing in 2015 and competed for BK Racing for a year (2015-2016). Following this, he jumped ship to Go Fas Racing, where he competed for one year too. In 2019, he joined the Leavine Family Racing before finally leaping into Wood Brothers Racing in 2020. Besides ranking 13th in the 2020 season, he also acquired his best finish as 13th. He accomplished no triumphs and pole position. However, he conquered 22 top 10s in his career history so far. Matt DiBenedetto: 2021 Net Worth Matt DiBenedetto has several accolades tucked under his belt in twelve years. However, according to internet sources, he has a net worth of $3 to $6 million as estimated in the 2021 season. AVONDALE, ARIZONA &#8211; NOVEMBER 08: Matt DiBenedetto, driver of the #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series Season Finale 500 at Phoenix Raceway on November 08, 2020 in Avondale, Arizona. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) Matt DiBenedetto: Foundations and Charity Apart from his racing career, Matt has been active in the field of philanthropy. According to Fox Sports, Matt DiBenedetto has been into charity and funds promoting energetically. He ardently supports the foundation, &#8216;Hope For The Warriors.&#8217; The foundation helps the wounded and injured service members. It also supports and helps the family of the ones who died in the field of action. Matt DiBenedetto: Sponsors The 29-year-old racer has been not out of sponsors in his tenure so far. Procore, the company is at the lead for contributing and sourcing for the cloud-based applications for constructions. The Barstool Sports sponsored the Grass Valley, California native for two Cup Races too. Matt DiBenedetto: Career Highlights The NASCAR racer earned the 2007 UARA-Stars Rookie of the Year Award. In 2008, he became the youngest driver to triumph at the Bristol Motor Speedway. In 2009, he bagged two wins, three poles, earned two track records. He further claimed the most laps in the series, having only competed in seven of the 12 series races in the Camping World Series East Series for Joe Gibbs Racing. In 2010, the racer claimed the ninth and 10th positions for Iowa Speedway and Nashville Speedway. Then, in 2011, Matt earned the seven top fives and nine top 10s in a total of 12 races at the Bowman Gray Stadium. In his entire six years of tenure in the NASCAR Cup Series, he grabbed the 13th position in the 2020 season, amidst the pandemic situation. He placed his position for 22 top 10s. FORT WORTH, TEXAS &#8211; OCTOBER 28: Matt DiBenedetto, driver of the #21 Menards/Richmond Ford, drives during the NASCAR Cup Series Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 500 at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) In his six years time period at the NASCAR Xfinity Series, he pulled himself to the 100th rank in 2019. However, he achieved his best finish in 2014 ranking 21st. In addition, he scored two top 10s and witnessed no luck in the arena of trophies. Matt DiBenedetto: Family Matt DiBenedetto, aka DiBurrito, was born to Sandy and Tony DiBenedetto on July 27, 1991. He grew up with his siblings Austin, Katie, and Kelley in Grass Valley, California. In 2015, Matt tied the knot with his childhood friend, Taylor Carswell. She later took his last name after getting married. How to Contact Matt DiBenedetto DiBenedetto is highly active on social media. He keeps his followers updated through his Twitter and Instagram especially. He has his mail address provided too for reaching him, mattdracing@yahoo.com Matt also has his official Facebook page and website set up. Matt DiBenedetto: Quick Facts  Age 29  Height 5?9??  Marital Status Married  Spouse Taylor Carswell  Net Worth $3-$6 million  Nationality American  Religion Christianity  Favorite Pastime Golf

“It Does Suck”- Matt DiBenedetto Opens Up on Losing his #21 Ride Next Year

What lies in the future for Matt DiBenedetto?