Matt DiBenedetto Signs Extension with Wood Brothers for 2021, Austin Cindric in for 2022

Credit: Lisa Janine Cloud for Skirts and Scuffs

Matt DiBenedetto and Wood Brothers Racing have agreed to a one-year contract extension for the 2021 season.

DiBenedetto has earned three top-five finishes and eight top-10 finishes in his first year with the organization, a career-best high for the California native.

DiBenedetto also qualified for the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs this season for the first time in his career. Despite being eliminated in the first round, he's still seeking his first career victory in the series. 

“It’s such an honor to be able to continue to drive for Wood Brothers Racing and have another year to grow with this organization,” DiBenedetto said in a statement. “I am excited to learn from our 2020 notebook and I’m confident that with a full season under our belt and working together as a team, we will produce even better results. I also want to thank Ford Performance and Team Penske for their efforts in making this happen. These types of decisions take a lot of time, as we all know there are a lot of factors in play. All three groups want to make the best decisions for everyone involved and I’m appreciative to have the opportunity to continue to compete for such a legendary race team.” 

The Wood Brothers will continue their technical alliance with Team Penske and manufacturer support from Ford in 2021.

Credit: Debbie Ross for Skirts and Scuffs 

Along with the announcement of DiBenedetto’s extension came the news that Austin Cindric will fill the seat starting in 2022. Cindric has signed a multi-year deal with Team Penske and will continue to compete in the second-tier Xfinity Series for the 2021 season.

Cindric is also in a career-best year, earning five victories, 17 top-five finishes, and 22 top-10 finishes throughout 28 races. The 22-year-old secured the regular season championship earlier this year and currently sits second in the standings, 34 points behind leader Chase Briscoe.

“This is a big step forward in my career long-term, and I am humbled and motivated by the opportunity and the confidence that Team Penske, Ford Performance, the Wood Brothers, and all of our partners have expressed in my abilities and my development as a driver,” Cindric said in a statement. “Every race car driver wants to advance in his career, and I can’t think of a better way to do that than on a clear path with Team Penske that will eventually lead to a full-time opportunity in the NASCAR Cup Series.

“I’m really excited for this next chapter in my development to continue working towards competing and trying to win at the highest level. Another season of experience in the Xfinity Series will be beneficial and I’m looking forward to competing in some Cup Series races in 2021 to prepare for a full season in 2022.”