Matt DiBenedetto is gearing up for his return to NASCAR, where he will compete in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway on October 3, 2026. Behind the wheel of the No. 42 Chevrolet for Young's Motorsports, DiBenedetto will be sponsored by Magnesium Performance Wheels, marking a significant moment in his racing career.
News of DiBenedetto's comeback was first reported by Chris Knight of Catchfence.com. The veteran driver expressed his enthusiasm and gratitude for the opportunity to race again, highlighting his passion for the sport and the competitive spirit that has defined his career.
DiBenedetto brings a wealth of experience to the track, having participated in 248 Cup Series races, 127 O'Reilly Series events, and 43 Truck Series races. His last appearance at a national level was in 2025 when he was unexpectedly released from his full-time position with Viking Motorsports late in the season. Earlier this year, he attempted to qualify for the Cup race at Darlington while driving for Joey Gase Motorsports but was unable to secure a spot in the lineup.
Throughout his career, DiBenedetto has achieved notable milestones, including a victory in the Truck Series at Talladega in 2022. He has also recorded three runner-up finishes in the Cup Series, with two of those coming at Las Vegas in 2020, showcasing his ability to compete at a high level on this particular track.
Las Vegas has historically been a favorable venue for DiBenedetto. His most recent start in the NASCAR O'Reilly Series at the 1.5-mile intermediate track saw him finish in 19th place last fall. The upcoming race will be an opportunity for him to improve upon that performance and re-establish himself in the competitive NASCAR landscape.
This season, Young's Motorsports has seen a variety of drivers take the wheel of the No. 42 Chevrolet. In 2026, the team has rotated through several drivers, including Carson Hocevar, J.J. Yeley, and Natalie Decker, among others. The best finish for the No. 42 car this season was a 16th place result achieved by Nathan Byrd at Rockingham, setting the stage for DiBenedetto to potentially elevate the team's performance.
As DiBenedetto prepares for his return, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how he performs in Las Vegas. His experience and past successes at this track could play a crucial role in his comeback, making this race a significant moment in his career and for Young's Motorsports.
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