There would be no storybook ending for Matt DiBenedetto at the Bass Pro Shop NRA Bristol Night Race on Aug. 17 as he watched Denny Hamlin celebrate his fourth checkered flag of the 2019 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
It was a gut-wrenching end to an emotional week for the Leavine Family Racing No. 95 team after it was announced earlier in the week that DiBenedetto would not be returning as a driver next season, and the disappointment of losing the lead with a mere 11 laps remaining was obvious after the race.
“I don’t even know what to say. I’m so sad we didn’t win, but proud, proud of the effort,” DiBenedetto said. “I want to try not to get emotional, but it’s been a tough week and I want to stick around, and I want to win. That’s all I want to do is win in the Cup Series and we were close.”
Hamlin wins Bristol Night Race