Matt DiBenedetto and Leavine Family Racing to split at end of year

Matt DiBenedetto and Leavine Family Racing will end their relationship after of the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season.

The 28-year-old Californian announced via Twitter:

“I got the devastating news that I will not be able to return to Leavine Family Racing next season. Nonetheless, I can’t express how thankful I am for Bob, Sharon, Matt Diliberto and everyone at LFR and Toyota for allowing me to do exactly what I set out to do, which was showcase my talent.

“It has been exciting for us as a team to get top-fives, top-10s and lead the most laps in the Daytona 500.”

This season sparked a new era for both DiBenedetto and LFR. DiBenedetto joined the squad after departing his previous ride at Go Fas Racing in search of a greater opportunity. The team switched manufacturers from Chevrolet to Toyota in part of an alliance with Joe Gibbs Racing and picked up former JGR crew chief Mike Wheeler.

He has been in the midst of a career-best season so far in 2019. He led the most laps in the season-opening Daytona 500 (49) and scoring four top tens in the last eight races – a career-best for both team and driver. A fourth-place finish at the Sonoma Raceway stands as his best result of the year.

“We have chosen to move in another direction for 2020,” the team said in a statement. “Matt has been an important part of our team this year, putting together strong runs. He’s a talented young driver, and we look forward to closing out this season with him behind the wheel of the No. 95 Camry. We wish him nothing but the best in the future.”

The team has not yet named a replacement, but it is known that JGR’s Xfinity Series driver Christopher Bell looks to be a shoo-in for the ride.