Hamlin, Harvick offer to help DiBenedetto after NASCAR sponsor exit
Denny Hamlin, Kevin Harvick and three-time NASCAR Cup series champion Darrell Waltrip have each pledged $5000 to help Matt DiBenedetto compete at Phoenix after a sponsor exit
DiBenedetto took to Twitter in a short video to reveal he had lost sponsorship and was unlikely to make the race, although as a chartered team GoFas would be required to.
The GoFas Racing driver was in the lead pack late on during the Daytona 500 but crashed out and finished 27th.
He then ended up 31st at Atlanta and took a season-best result of 21st last weekend at Las Vegas.
Hey guys!
— Matt DiBenedetto (@mattdracing) March 6, 2018
We hate doing this, but we are UNSPONSORED as of right now for @ISMRaceway this weekend! If you or anyone you know has the ability to help us connect with a business interested in coming on board this weekend please contact the @GoFasRacing32 page ASAP! pic.twitter.com/3hbFnTBBqI
"Coming off having a shot to win the Daytona 500 and having a really strong run at Vegas last weekend, we are in a little bit of a situation," he said in the video.
Hamlin and Waltrip responded to the video with pledges to donate towards DiBendetto's cause, while Harvick said the KHI Management marketing agency he founded would also put forward $5000.
Hell im in for 5k. Where do i send the check @mattdracing? https://t.co/cyQCui9Apv
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) March 6, 2018
DiBenedetto offered to put the logo of the Denny Hamlin Foundation - which raises awareness and funds to help children with cystic fibrosis - on his car if he makes the grid at Phoenix.
He said he had only spoken to Hamlin on Twitter, but was overwhelmed by the response to his video.
"I haven't had any conversation with Denny so far other than what is on Twitter," he told Autosport.
"The coolest part about this, and honestly what makes it a little overwhelming and wants to make you tear up a little bit, is this is from people I grew up watching and looked up too and I was always a huge fan.
"We're just a small family-based team that's working hard to overachieve on the track and do the best we can every week.
"For people like Denny and Darrell Waltrip to notice and reach out wanting to help means the world to me.
"These guys are heroes of mine and for them to notice what we are trying to do is overwhelming.
"I can't thank everyone enough."
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