Matt DiBenedetto continues to have no announcement on his 2024 plans. His acrimonious parting from Rackley W.A.R. was a major story throughout the early autumn. However, not much has happened since, so, what is going on with Matt DiBenedetto?
Well, Matt DiBenedetto broke his silence on his 2024 place following the Xfinity Series race at Martinsville Speedway last weekend. He posted the video to his Twitter account.
I promise y’all, I’m not leaving you guys in the dark. Sorry if I’ve been a little bit quiet. We’ve been working like crazy on stuff for next year, navigating a couple of opportunities, partnerships, and everything…I appreciate you guys’ patience. Everything’s good, it’s all good.
Matt DiBenedetto
Well, it means at the very least that DiBenedetto has something in the works for his future. Exactly what, he will not say, at least not yet. However, he seems quite optimistic based on this video.
It’s no secret that these types of deals take time. Take Denny Hamlin as an example, his extension with Joe Gibbs Racing took a long time because there were so many factors involved in the deal. From sponsorships to cost, to how to fit in 23XI Racing.
Now, Matt DiBenedetto’s deal will not have those levels of complications, but it does show that these deals, even the part-time ones take time to develop. DiBenedetto needs to nail down sponsorship and a driver contract, which both take a while to fully develop.
It will take time, and, according to DiBenedetto, it is taking time, and nothing appears to be finalized. However, it seems that something is in the works. The big question could be what the nature of this deal could be, part-time or full-time?
Well, unfortunately for DiBenedetto, seats for 2024 are getting taken up quite quickly. Worse yet for him, he joined the Silly Season game much later than others did. Therefore, plenty of rides that may technically be available may already be in conversations with drivers about 2024 plans.
It’s not impossible that a full-time ride could pop up with a mid-to-back-of-the-pack Xfinity or Truck Series team. The most prominent lower series rides available are Joe Gibbs Racing and Kaulig Racing in Xfinity, but does DiBenedetto have the funding for a full season? ThorSport is also an interesting ride to watch, but would Ford prefer a younger driver given how thin their lower series prospect pool is?
If DiBenedetto wants to be in a place where he can compete and win races, then he may have to stick to a part-time schedule or piecing a schedule together with multiple teams. In that instance, other rides open up with teams like JGR, Kaulig, TRICON Garage, and Spire.
Until something is officially announced, there is the genuine possibility that nothing will work out for DiBenedetto in 2024. At the end of the day, he still did not announce anything with that Twitter video.
Like all race car drivers, it will come down to funding for DiBenedetto. If he cannot come up with enough funding to race, then he will not find a place to go. However, given that he says he is talking to “Partners”, it seems that work is being done in that department.
There is reason for optimism for the future of Matt DiBenedetto given his most recent Twitter video, but, it’s not totally certain what his 2024 plans are. Until those are officially unveiled, it’s uncertain where he will go.
