Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series team Leavine Family Racing will have a completely new look for 2019 as the organization announced on Wednesday at the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte the signing of driver Matt DiBenedetto and a manufacturer switch to Toyota beginning with the 61st annual Daytona 500 on Feb. 17, 2019.
DiBenedetto will replace interim driver Regan Smith who replaced Kasey Kahne who was sidelined following the Bojangles’ Southern 500 at Darlington (S.C.) Speedway last month for medical reasons related to symptoms of severe heat exhaustion.
Kahne announced earlier this week, he would not return to the team this season and he had previously announced in August this would be his final year as a full-time Cup series driver.
Leavine Family Racing will embrace their third manufacturer switch since joining the Cup Series in 2011. The team owned by Texan Bob Leavine started as a Ford team before switching to Chevrolet in 2016 with drivers Ty Dillon and Michael McDowell.
The partnership with Toyota Motor North America (TMNA) for 2019 will include support from Toyota Racing Development, U.S.A. (TRD), who will build the team’s engines and provide technology, data and technical assistance.
DiBenedetto arrives at Leavine Family Racing after spending the last two seasons driving the No. 32 Go Fas Racing Ford Fusion for Archie St. Hilaire. DiBenedetto announced on Sept. 7 he would not return to the organization next season to pursue other opportunities.
“I believe that this gives me the best opportunity to further my career and showcase my talent and ability at the highest level,” he said after announcing his departure from Go Fas.
“Winning races has always been the goal and now I’m taking a leap of faith and betting on myself to prove it. Watching other drivers get opportunities has definitely been a driving force in my decision, knowing that I can get it done if given the chance.”
The team’s transition to Toyota also means a relationship with Joe Gibbs Racing, whom LFR will have a technical alliance agreement for 2019 as well to provide the No. 95 chassis each race. LFR will fill a similar role as Furniture Row Racing who has announced they will cease operations at the end of the 2018 season.
DiBenedetto, 27, has a prior relationship with Joe Gibbs Racing after competing in seven NASCAR Xfinity Series races from 2009 – 2010 with two top-10 finishes. He also served as a test driver for the Cup powerhouse during that time.
Before joining Go Fas Racing, the Grass Valley, Calif. native competed in 68 races for the now-defunct BK Racing, earning a career-best sixth place Cup finish at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2016.
“I can only begin to explain how fortunate I am to be joining LFR,” said DiBenedetto. “The thought of being reunited with Toyota and the folks at TRD is just unbelievable for me and my family. This is the biggest opportunity of my life and it’s a dream come true to be a part of a team that continues to elevate their program at the highest level of NASCAR. No words can describe my gratitude to everyone who believes in me. I’ve had to fight so hard, the old school way, to get here and that will always make me appreciate this amazing opportunity.
“When I got the phone call from Bob (Leavine) and Jeremy (Lange, LFR General Manager) I was speechless. My wife and I both had tears of joy and it was a very emotional moment that we will always cherish. I look forward to making everyone proud next year, working day and night with my team to show people what we are made of.”
DiBenedetto has made 134 starts in Cup Series and 68 in the Xfinity Series without a victory. In 20 NASCAR K&N Pro Series East starts, he has won three races, most recently in 2011.
In 178 races, Leavine Family Racing has earned a career-best finish of fourth twice with Kahne at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway in July after leading 17 laps and again with McDowell in 2016. Overall, they have six top-10 finishes in eight years of competition.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Matt (DiBenedetto) to our organization,” said Bob Leavine, owner of Leavine Family Racing. “We feel that he’s going to be a great addition to the team with his great personality and experience on track within the series. It’s a tremendous feeling to know that we’re also able to announce our alignment with JGR and TRD for next season as well.
“Obviously, they’re both first-class organizations and proven winners, so for us to be able to align with them is a huge step for our organization. I’m excited as we continue to work ahead for 2019 thanks to getting Matt as our driver and Toyota as our manufacturer.”
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
