Matt DiBenedetto will likely relieve NASCAR Nationwide Series driver Jeffrey Earnhardt during the first caution tomorrow night at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway, CATCHFENCE.com has learned.
DiBenedetto, 22, will himself try to qualify for Friday night’s Subway Firecracker 250 in the No. 46 Chevrolet Camaro, but he is only scheduled to run a couple of laps for The Motorsports Group (TMG). Shortly after, he’ll run to the JD Motorsports with Gary Keller pits to replace Earnhardt, if needed.
Earnhardt, the son of former NASCAR driver Kerry Earnhardt and nephew of Dale Earnhardt Jr. broke his collarbone in an alleged motorcycle accident earlier this week.
DiBenedetto, a former Joe Gibbs Racing development driver took some laps in the team’s No. 4 JD Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro in the only practice session Thursday to get fitted in the seat and get comfortable inside the car. The team was 29th out of 45 cars that turned a lap.
When contacted by phone late this afternoon, Earnhardt told CATCHFENCE.com that he is feeling okay, but elected not to discuss further details. Entering tomorrow’s race, he is 17th in the championship standings.
“I’m really thankful that Jeffrey and all the JD Motorsports team considered me to be on standby to drive,” said DiBenedetto. “I’m excited to get behind the wheel of the No. 4 Chevrolet Camaro and hopefully I can have a clean race if I am needed to hop in and finish the race for them.”
Team owner Johnny Davis emphasized that keeping Jeffrey safe is the main priority. “We have Matt on-standby, but he’ll likely get in when Jeffrey’s ready, probably at the first caution,” he said. “He got in the car to help us out today and we appreciate him being available to us this weekend.”
UPDATE: Additionally, CATCHFENCE.com has learned that DiBenedetto will also be on standby for Earnhardt at New Hampshire Motor Speedway for the Sta-Green 200 on Saturday, July 12.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
