Denny Hamlin Rues ‘Systematic Problem’ in NASCAR Amidst Matt DiBenedetto Dilemma

In the buildup to the 2022 Cup Series season, there are a fair number of drivers who are hunting for a seat. Chief among them is Matt DiBenedetto, who has competed in 244 races in the past seven years. Unfortunately, his future in the Cup Series is at risk, owing to a lack of funding and sponsorship,.

In light of this, Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass said, “I don’t know that DiBenedetto has any best/likely option at this point. He doesn’t have significant funding/sponsorship yet so still TBD on where he could end up. Most current open rides would require some form of sponsorship to come with the driver or team landing sponsor.”

Suffice to say, Denny Hamlin agreed with that assessment and said, “Seems like a systematic problem Bob.”

It is also worth mentioning that during his seven-year tenure, DiBenedetto has never relied on sponsors to pay for his seat.

What else did Denny Hamlin say about the situation?

The Joe Gibbs Racing driver confessed, “I would have NEVER got a chance in today’s climate.I’m confident in that. Could you maybe estimate how many of the top 10 in Xfinity current supplement income to the teams that they drive for? Not that some aren’t worthy because they are.”

DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 09: Matt DiBenedetto, driver of the #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford, stands on the grid during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series 62nd Annual Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 09, 2020 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

At the moment, all that Matt DiBenedetto can do is perform to the best of his ability. Beyond that, once he has done his bit, the ball is in the teams’ court to try and chase after him for a signature. At the moment, he lies 19th in the championship with three Top 5 finishes and a best result of 4th. DiBenedetto‘s career-best finish was 2nd at the 2019 Bass Pro Shops NRA Night Race at Bristol.

On that occasion, he finished in 2nd place behind Hamlin and looked really strong throughout the weekend. The driver repeated the feat in 2020, this time at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

READ MORE: Denny Hamlin Expresses His Concern About More Crashes With Next Gen Car

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