Viking Motorsports parts ways with Matt DiBenedetto, announces replacement for final three races

Surprising news this morning. Viking Motorsports has parted ways with Matt DiBenedetto ahead of Talladega this weekend. DiBenedetto finds himself out of a ride before the end of the season once again. The NASCAR Xfinity Series organization has announced a replacement.

Matt DiBenedetto has had a tough time finding a consistent ride in recent years. But the deal with Viking Motorsports seemed to be the best match. The duo made it through 2024 and almost all of 2025.

This season, there has been a bit of a struggle with Viking and DiBenedetto. Earlier this season at Talladega, the 99 car finished P5. That is the only top-10 result for the organization this season.

Connor Mosack will replace Matt DiBenedetto for the last three races of the season. That begins this week at Talladega. Viking Motorsports released a statement on the matter.

“Viking Motorsports announced today that Connor Mosack will drive the No. 99 Viking Motorsports Chevrolet for the final three races of the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, beginning at Talladega Superspeedway. … Viking Motorsports will share additional details regaridng its driver lineup for the 2026 season at a later date,” the team said in a press release.

“We’d like to thank Matt for his contributions throughout our inaugural season,” Jeremy Lange, GM of Viking Motorsports, said. “He played a meaningful role in establishing the foundation of this team, and we wish him the best.”

Matt DiBenedetto fans are going to be upset about this. But if you look at how the performance of this team has gone in 2025, it isn’t such a surprise.

Matt DiBenedetto wasn’t living up to expectations

Only a single top-10 from Matt DiBenedetto this season was likely not what Viking Motorsports had in mind. The four straight DNFs during the summer definitely didn’t help. Being 22nd in points is also not a great way to save your job as a driver.

On top of the lack of performance out of the 99 car, there has been an obvious lack of sponsorship. Viking Motorsports has had so many Viking Motorsports cars this season that it can’t be productive for them financially. There have been times the 99 team has picked up sponsors, but those have been via The CW as a broadcast partner or a random one-off.

At 34, you have to imagine that Matt DiBenedetto has more left in the tank. Can he find a team that fits his personality, driving style, and is willing to be patient with him as he figures it all out? That doesn’t look like it is going to happen right now, but there are a few rides open next season in Xfinity and the Truck Series.