Matt DiBenedetto Signs with Viking Motorsports as Team Switches to Chevrolet and RCR Alliance
Matt DiBenedetto has secured his NASCAR Xfinity Series future with a two-year contract extension at Viking Motorsports, a team making bold changes for its next chapter. The team will not only switch from Ford to Chevrolet but will also align with Richard Childress Racing (RCR). As part of this shift, Viking’s car will now be renumbered as the No. 99, leaving behind its previous No. 38 under the RSS Racing stable.
Team owner Don Sackett explained the rationale behind these moves in a candid Facebook post, shedding light on the financial and logistical realities of running a competitive Xfinity Series team.
Why Viking Motorsports Chose Chevrolet
Sackett emphasized that while the team considered alternatives, Chevrolet emerged as the most viable option:
“Yes, we’re going Chevy. We’re getting some great tech from RCR. We realize it’s a crowded field with Chevy, but we have the best driver. If we build a solid team around the driver, we will be fine.”
The decision wasn’t made lightly. Sackett detailed why partnerships with other manufacturers, such as Toyota and Ford, didn’t work out:
- Toyota: “We liked Toyota a lot. But JGR [Joe Gibbs Racing] didn’t have an engine for us. They are sold out to other teams, fully booked. Hard to get fast without an engine.”
- Ford: “SHR [Stewart-Haas Racing] wanted $1.3 million per year for an alliance, and we wouldn’t get any setup data, sim, or anything. Just a car delivered, so we learn nothing. Plus, Ford can’t supply us spare parts. We’re totally at the mercy of Haas for parts as a sole supplier. That isn’t good.”
A Long-Term Vision with DiBenedetto
Sackett emphasized that the team is fully committed to building a sustainable program around DiBenedetto, stating:
“Thus, Chevy was the least bad option. You’re going to have to trust us. We’re building a long-term program around Matt. The key is to develop our own tech, get sim from Chevy when we can. We’ve got a great new pit crew. We’re going to be good.”
By aligning with Chevrolet and RCR, Viking Motorsports aims to position itself for long-term success, leveraging RCR’s technical resources while building its own capabilities.
With a fresh car number, a new manufacturer, and a clear plan in place, Viking Motorsports and Matt DiBenedetto are ready to take on the Xfinity Series with renewed ambition.
