Leavine Family Racing went through a number of changes in the offseason as it prepares for the 2019 in Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
The team switched manufacturers from Chevrolet to Toyota and will have new driver, Matt DiBenedetto, behind the wheel of the No. 95 Camry along with a new crew chief, Mike Wheeler.
DiBenedetto, who heads into his fifth year in Cup, comes to LFR after driving for Go Fas Racing for the past two seasons.
“It’s been a lot new but also a lot of familiarity,” DiBenedetto told MRN about the transition. “I got my start in NASCAR with Toyota (Joe Gibbs Racing – K&N Pro and Xfinity Series in 2009) so that feels right at home. I’ve been making sure I get to know everybody well and building a relationship with my new crew chief ‘Wheels.’ It’s been fun and I’m ready to go.
“The more time that goes on the more excited I am. The people we keep putting in place, the equipment that we are going to have and resources. It’s much more than I’m accustomed to. It’s pretty amazing. I think we are going to surprise some people this year.”
Wheeler has enjoyed his share of success with Toyota as a Cup Series crew chief at Joe Gibbs Racing for the past three seasons. He helped lead Denny Hamlin to five wins in that span, including the 2016 Daytona 500. LFR will have a technical alliance with JGR, which will provide chassis’ for the No. 95 Camry.
LFR joined the Cup Series back in 2011 and is going into its fourth consecutive full-time season. DiBenedetto hopes to help continue to grow the team for many years to come.
“I want to be with them long term,” DiBenedetto said. “They are dedicated and we want to build this to where this is a winning organization and that’s the ultimate goal. There’s a lot of change going on in this sport and I think it’s all going to be for the better. Teams like us we are going to do nothing but grow and build and hopefully win.”
A number of partners that have backed LFR will return in 2019 to sponsor the No. 95. Procore is increasing primary sponsorship to 12 races. The red and white Dumont Jets paint scheme will be on the car at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March, Dover International Speedway in October and ISM Raceway in November.
Procore will be the sponsor for the season opener at Daytona International Speedway, a track where DiBenedetto scored two of his four career top 10s.
“We are in a position where we are going to have the people, the pit crew, the cars, the TRD engines and all that to go compete for the win,” DiBenedetto said. “There really isn’t any other agenda than going down there to win. To have that mindset going into the Daytona 500 that we are to win and we are a legitimate contender. I have ran really well at superspeedways in the past and this is going to be my best shot ever at it.”
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