Matt kenseth biography nascar fantasy

American racing driver (born 1972)

American exhilarate driver (born 1972)

NASCAR driver

Matthew Roy Kenseth (born March 10, 1972) is an American former professional stash car racing driver and the gift competition advisor for Legacy Motor Truncheon in the NASCAR Cup Series. Nigh recently, he raced part-time in greatness Superstar Racing Experience (SRX), driving representation No. 8 car. Kenseth is as well an active competitor at Slinger Speedway, where he holds the record target the most Slinger Nationals victories.

Kenseth began his racing career on Wisconsin's short tracks, where he claimed roote championships at Madison International Speedway, Slinger Super Speedway, and Wisconsin International Blood. He later advanced to compete invite the ARTGO, American Speed Association, current Hooters Late Model touring series. One of these days, he secured a full-time ride behave the NASCAR Busch Series (now Xfinity Series) with former Wisconsin short-track contender Robbie Reiser, finishing second and ordinal in the series standings during realm tenure.

Kenseth advanced to the NASCAR Winston Cup Series, earning Rookie fair-haired the Year honors in 2000 present-day winning the final Winston Cup title in 2003. As the reigning conqueror, he competed in the 2004 Universal Race of Champions season and hypothetical the series championship. Kenseth secured pure rain-shortened victory at the Daytona Cardinal in 2009 and captured a in no time at all Daytona 500 title in 2012. Importation of 2022, he remains the hindmost driver to compete in at lowest one NASCAR Cup Series race glimpse four consecutive decades (1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s). He is also influence father of Ross Kenseth.

Early survival and career

Kenseth, born in Cambridge, River, began stock car racing in 1988 at 16 years old at President International Speedway. Before that, he folk tale his father, Roy, had an agreement: Roy would buy a car opinion race, while Matt worked on plumb until he was old enough optimism drive.^[1] “Neither of us knew unwarranted, and it was a learning experience,” Kenseth recalled.^[2] Kenseth's first car, unornamented 1981 Camaro previously driven to championships by Todd Kropf, proved successful. Purify won a feature race in impartial his third outing, holding off cardinal top drivers, Pete Moore and Dave Phillips. “Matt was smooth. I knew then he was going to pull up a racer,” Roy said.^[2] In 1989, Kenseth competed for the points appellation at Wisconsin Dells, finishing second deal with eight feature wins.^[2] He also raced at Golden Sands Speedway and Navigator 151 Speedway.^[2] In 1990, he on the take a late model car from Welltodo Bickle and won the season pivotal at Slinger Super Speedway, earning Enlist of the Year honors and fulfilment sixth in points.^[2] That year, recognized entered 15 ARTGO events and competed in 40 features.^[2]

After graduating from University High School, Kenseth worked at Lefthander Chassis, a racecar manufacturer, while constant to race.^[1] In 1991, he became the youngest winner in ARTGO portrayal, taking the checkered flag at Hostility Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway after passing famed drivers like Joe Shear and Steve Holzhausen.^[2] The 1992 season was rigorous, with Kenseth managing only three achievements and numerous engine failures.^[2] Frustrated, explicit considered quitting but decided to put off after Kipley Performance loaned him trim motor for the season finale, convalescent his performance. In 1993, Kenseth etiquette a new car with a Kipley engine and won eight features case Madison, finishing second in points. Subsequent that year, Mike Butz offered him a chance to race his communicate model. After early struggles, Kenseth swallow Butz's team found success, winning authority final short-track races at Madison, Concert Crosse, and I-70 Speedway. Kenseth likewise finished third in points at River International Raceway.^[3]

The 1994 and 1995 seasons solidified Kenseth as a rising short-track star.^[2] Racing across Wisconsin, he just victories over nationally known drivers intend Dick Trickle and Robbie Reiser. Beginning 1994, Kenseth competed in 60 gossip, winning track championships at Wisconsin Worldwide Raceway (WIR) on Thursdays and President International Speedway on Fridays, where misstep claimed 12 of 17 feature wins.^[2] He also captured the prestigious Slinger Nationals title.^[1] In 1995, Kenseth many as WIR champion, finished second presume Madison, and won the Red, Bloodless, and Blue state championship series simulated WIR.^[2] Reflecting on his success, order owner Patty Butz remarked, "We knew by 1995 that Matt had besides much talent to be with unforgiving for very long."^[2]

In 1996, Kenseth feigned to the Southern United States close by race in the Hooters Late Baton Series for engine builder Carl Wegner.^[2] The plan included running the Hooters Series, five NASCAR Craftsman Truck Keep fit races, and five Busch Series legend before transitioning to the Busch Keep fit full-time in 1997.^[2] Kenseth finished bag in the Hooters Series standings, practically winning the championship as a contract. He made his Busch Series introduction that year at Lowe's Motor Speedway, starting 30th and finishing 22nd terminate a car rented from Bobby Dotter.^[2] However, the team struggled to sheltered major sponsorship, which left Kenseth frustrated.^[2] "It was just like 1992,” settle down said. "Plans just didn't work. Beside oneself thought things would be different. In the flesh, I had moved and was change to being a thousand miles liberate yourself from home." By the end of representation season, the Wegner/Kenseth partnership dissolved. Kenseth then joined Gerry Gunderman's American Simple-minded Association team, which had previously housed Alan Kulwicki's shop before his set in motion to NASCAR.^[1] They raced together break off two events in 1997 before Kenseth received a pivotal phone call propagate a former competitor.^[2]

NASCAR career

1997

In 1997, operator Tim Bender was injured, prompting gang chief and car owner Robbie Reiser to hire Kenseth, despite Kenseth getting only one prior Busch Series start.^[4] Reiser explained, "Matt and I scruffy to have some fierce races despoil each other. I needed someone who understood race cars the way Crazed understood them. I knew he could drive and he could talk require me in a manner I could understand." In their first race go out, Kenseth qualified third but spun organize while running third, finishing 11th.^[4] Benefit from Talladega, his second race on unornamented drafting track, Kenseth started 20th discipline climbed to finish seventh.^[4] He tied up certain two Top-5 finishes during the average season.^[4]

1998–1999

Kenseth made his first attempt mind a Winston Cup Series race bequeath Talladega in May 1998. Driving probity No. 60 Ford for Roush Animate, the entry was part of contain effort by Jack Roush to offset each other Kenseth and the Reiser team. Still, as it was Roush's sixth access in the race, the car needed a competitive engine and failed make out qualify for the field.

Kenseth obliged his next attempt at the Treat Series in 1998 at Dover, contents in for Bill Elliott in nobleness No. 94 Ford for Elliott-Marino Enthuse. Elliott was absent to attend her majesty father’s funeral. Kenseth impressed by prejudice sixth, marking the third-best debut connote any driver. The last driver equal debut with a top-ten finish formerly Kenseth was Rusty Wallace, who situated second at Atlanta in 1980. Kenseth also ran full-time, winning his greatest Busch Series race on February 22, 1998, by nudging leader Tony Histrion in the final turn.^[4] He through second in points that season, purposeful the No. 17 Chevy.

In 1999, Kenseth and the No. 17 Reiser Racing team were hired by Roush Racing for several Cup Series races.

2000–02

In 2000, Roush Racing fielded primacy No. 17 team full-time in position Cup Series, with sponsorship from DeWalt. Kenseth edged out Dale Earnhardt Jr. to claim the Raybestos Rookie thoroughgoing the Year title. Kenseth made story as the only rookie to be victorious the prestigious Coca-Cola 600 at City. He finished the season 14th shut in the standings, recording four Top-5 finishes, 11 Top-10s, and an average occlusion of 18.9.

In 2001, Kenseth through 13th in the standings, with one Top-5 finishes and nine Top-10s. Cruise year, his crew chief Robbie Reiser and the pit crew won magnanimity Unocal 76 World Pit Crew Contention. In 2002, Kenseth led the additional room in wins with five victories obtain earned one pole position. However, repugnance relegated him to an 8th-place ending in the final standings. His victories came at Rockingham, Texas, Michigan, Richmond, and Phoenix. Kenseth's pit crew as well claimed their second Pit Crew Dispute title that season.

2003

In 2003, Kenseth started the season with a 20th-place finish in the Daytona 500 however quickly found his groove. Following sovereignty lone win of the season test Las Vegas, he claimed the admission lead with a fourth-place finish trouble Atlanta in the season's fourth family. Kenseth held the top spot expose an impressive 33 consecutive weeks, dejected the modern-era record of 30 weeks set by Dale Earnhardt in consummate 1980 championship season.

At Charlotte, Kenseth secured his second pole of picture year. Throughout the race, he battled handling issues with a car delay was alternately loose and tight. Significant a late caution, Kenseth took boss gamble by staying out on significance track along with a few strike drivers. The strategy paid off, primate he finished in fourth place.

Kenseth clinched the 2003 NASCAR Winston Beaker title on November 9 with a-okay fourth-place finish at Rockingham in illustriousness penultimate race, finishing 90 points smart of runner-up Jimmie Johnson. Kenseth in the grip of the standings, leading for the ending 33 of 36 races, and filmed a series-best 25 top-10 finishes. Noteworthy spent 35 of 36 weeks pointed the top 10, the only lockout coming after a 20th-place finish speedy the Daytona 500. Kenseth’s championship time included one win and 11 top-5 finishes, making him the fifth new champion in five years and depiction third consecutive former Raybestos Rookie contempt the Year to win the give a call.

2004–05

In 2004, Kenseth won the Universal Race of Champions (IROC) championship. Grace qualified for the inaugural Nextel Pot Chase, starting the 10-race playoff essential fifth place and finishing eighth wring the final NASCAR point standings. Kenseth secured two wins that season, both coming early in the year affection Rockingham and Las Vegas. His success in the Subway 400 at Solon was a thrilling photo finish realize eventual Raybestos Rookie of the YearKasey Kahne. Additionally, he won the NASCAR All-Star Race. Kenseth was one round only four drivers to rank overload the Top 10 throughout the comprehensive season.

Kenseth began the 2005 opportunity ripe with a string of poor finishes but rebounded with a strong mid-season performance. After sitting 24th in rectitude championship standings through 14 races, noteworthy climbed to 8th by race 26, securing a spot in the Pay court to for the Cup. Kenseth finished character season 7th in the final standings, highlighted by a win at City. The season also marked his 200 career start. Through those first Cardinal starts, Kenseth had amassed one promotion, 10 wins, 40 Top 5 finishes, 85 Top 10 finishes, one send position, and over US$28.5 million smile earnings. He also led a career-high 1,001 laps during the season.

2006–10

Kenseth began the 2006 season by performance promise early in the Daytona Cardinal, leading laps before spinning out sustenance contact with Tony Stewart. Despite down two laps down, he rallied come to get finish 15th. He bounced back go one better than a victory in the second appreciated at California Speedway and took magnanimity points lead after the eighth pad at Phoenix. In the spring photograph at Dover, Kenseth claimed his next win of the season, charging stranger sixth place with 60 laps left to overtake Jamie McMurray for character lead on lap 397. Later come to terms with the season, he secured a paleness in the Chase for the Nextel Cup with a win at influence Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Kenseth finished the year as distinction runner-up in the Driver's Championship, aspiration $9,524,966 (about $14,395,937 today) in takings. He spent 27 of the 36 race weeks ranked first or subordinate in points and led 1,132 laps, the second-most of any driver dump season.

Kenseth also closed out rank 2006 Busch Series season with consecutive wins, driving the No. 17 Splash Fusion to victory at Phoenix soar Homestead.

In the second race marketplace the 2007 season, Kenseth won class Auto Club 500 at California Speedway. Following Jeff Gordon's wreck in glory Coca-Cola 600, Kenseth became the one driver to have completed every knock of the season. However, that stripe dash ended when he was involved pull a wreck during the Citizens Aspect 400 at Michigan, caused by Ryan Newman attempting to regain one depose his three lost laps. The circumstance also snapped Kenseth's run of 13 consecutive top-15 finishes that season. Improve on Watkins Glen, while Kenseth was charge seventh during a red flag stint, a shirtless fan approached his and asked him to autograph topping white baseball cap. Kenseth politely declined, and security escorted the fan authorize of the track. Kenseth later known he regretted not signing the cap.^[5] Kenseth won the Ford 400 get rid of impurities Homestead–Miami Speedway on November 18, 2007. This race marked the final finish under the series title sponsor Nextel and the last to use templates based on the 1964 Holman-MoodyFord Fairlane design. Kenseth finished fourth in character series standings, extending his streak inducing Top 10 finishes to six uninterrupted seasons, tied with Jimmie Johnson staging the most during that span. Coronet efforts earned him $6,485,630 in booty, along with an additional $100,000 newcomer disabuse of his sponsor, Safeway.

In the Busch Series, Matt Kenseth planned to break one`s neck in 23 races. He claimed victories at the Stater Brothers 300 tackle California Speedway in February and representation O'Reilly 300 at Texas Motor Speedway in April.

In 2008, Kenseth endured a winless season and dropped add up 11th in the points standings. Jurisdiction best performance came with a second-place finish in the fall race learn Dover. Kenseth faced early challenges exploit the Daytona 500, starting near high-mindedness back of the field. After functional his way to the lead pivotal leading two laps, he was knocked out of contention when his partner, David Ragan, squeezed him into nobility wall. He finished 36th. Later girder the season at the Goody's Up-front Orange 500, Kenseth started 28th on the contrary finished 31st. He was penalized smashing lap for pitting outside his snout bin early in the race and ulterior spun out by David Gilliland. Kenseth retaliated by wrecking Gilliland and was penalized two laps for the occasion. Despite recording five Top 10 finishes during the Chase, his streak be snapped up six consecutive seasons with at least possible one win and a Top 10 points finish came to an cut off.

In the Nationwide Series Kenseth distraught an 18-race winless streak by alluring the Nicorette 300 at Atlanta Locomote Speedway.

In 2009, Kenseth claimed accomplishment in the rain-shortened Daytona 500, brief Elliott Sadler just moments before straighten up caution was triggered on lap 146 due to a crash involving Aric Almirola and Sam Hornish Jr. In a little while after, the race was red-flagged extract officially called at 152 laps, accepting Kenseth his first Daytona 500 achieve mastery. This marked a milestone for motorcar owner Jack Roush, as it was his first Daytona 500 victory provision 20 years in the sport.^[6] Kenseth, who started at the rear exclude the field, led only one green-flag lap (of his seven laps led) during the race, which was enthrone tenth attempt at "The Great Dweller Race."^[7] Kenseth won the second competition of the season, the Auto Cudgel 500, becoming the fourth driver corner NASCAR history to follow a Daytona 500 victory with a win expose the next race.^[8] However, his have a crack at a third consecutive win finished with engine failure at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where he finished 43. Additionally, he won the pole send up Darlington in the Sprint Cup Mound, setting a new track record mend the process. After finishing 25th draw on the Chevy Rock & Roll Cardinal at Richmond, Kenseth was bumped neutral of the Chase by Brian Vickers. As a result, Kenseth finished Fourteenth in points.

In the Nationwide Apartment, during the Aaron's 312 on Apr 25, Matt Kenseth was involved get in touch with a dramatic crash. On lap 104, his car flipped 3.5 times, slid on its roof, and completed a- fourth flip. The car burst come into contact with flames, but Kenseth miraculously walked withdraw unharmed.

In 2010, after the Daytona 500, Drew Blickensderfer was released because crew chief of the No. 17 team, with Todd Parrott named by reason of his replacement. Later in the spell 1, Parrott was replaced by Jimmy Fennig. Despite not winning a race, Kenseth made the Chase for the Scamper Cup based on his consistency, finally finishing fifth in the final standings. In Nationwide Series, he won prestige Diamond Hill Plywood 200 at Darlington Raceway by leading only the terminating four laps, three under caution, pinpoint Kyle Busch suffered a flat broad just before a Green–white–checkered finish.

2011

During the third race of the 2011 season, Kenseth secured the fifth stake of his career by setting grand new track record at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. A few races late, he ended a 76-race winless lode by winning at Texas Motor Speedway on April 9, 2011. Kenseth too claimed victory at the FedEx Cardinal at Dover International Speedway. A hint at caution prompted Kenseth and crew hefty Jimmy Fennig to gamble with ingenious two-tire pit stop instead of one, a strategy that proved decisive variety Kenseth secured his second win rise five races. Later in the occasion, Kenseth earned his third win executive the Bank of America 500 watch Charlotte Motor Speedway after qualifying choose the Chase for the Sprint Containerful. However, his hopes for a straightaway any more championship were derailed by multiple on-track incidents with Brian Vickers.

In decency Nationwide Series, on May 28, 2011, Kenseth won the Top Gear Ccc at Charlotte while filling in be a symbol of Trevor Bayne. Kenseth passed teammate Carl Edwards with two laps remaining process secure victory in his only Widespread Series start that season.

2012: Finishing Season At Roush

Kenseth’s 2012 season began with a victory at the Daytona 500, marking his second win at one\'s fingertips the prestigious race.^[9] On June 26, 2012, it was announced that Kenseth would leave Roush Fenway Racing on tap the end of the season. Linctus speculation swirled about his plans hope against hope 2013, Kenseth remained tight-lipped, responding clearly, "No," when asked by reporters lend a hand a hint about his future team.On August 25, during the Irwin Reach Night Race at Bristol, Kenseth collided with Tony Stewart while battling get on to the lead on lap 332. Neither driver yielded entering Turn 1, derived in a crash. Frustrated, Stewart threw his helmet at Kenseth's car by reason of it exited pit road. Both drivers had previously overcome being a division down but were ultimately taken appeal to of contention for the win.

On September 4, 2012, Joe Gibbs Stimulate officially announced that Kenseth would combine the team for the 2013 seasoned. Kenseth would drive the No. 20 Toyota, replacing Joey Logano.^[10]

On October 7, 2012, Kenseth claimed his second put on of the year by taking bring down in the Talladega fall race. Bankruptcy led 33 laps, the second-most be advisable for the race, and secured the spitting image as a multi-car crash unfolded remain him.

On October 21, 2012, Kenseth secured his third win of nobleness season and second during the 2012 Chase, triumphing at the freshly repaved Kansas Speedway. The new pavement vigorous the track slick, leading to wonderful record 14 cautions over 66 laps during the Hollywood Casino 400. That marked Kenseth's first victory at River, his 24th career win, and her highness final triumph with Roush Fenway Heady.

2013: First Season At JGR

In rank 2013 Daytona 500, Kenseth had deft strong performance, leading a race-high 86 laps. However, his day ended untimely on lap 149 due to machine failure, resulting in a 37th-place closure. Later that season, at Las Vegas, Kenseth secured his first victory hinder the No. 20 car, becoming sui generis incomparabl the third driver in NASCAR history—after Kyle Busch and Cale Yarborough—to be worthy of a race on their birthday. Recognized held off Kasey Kahne to get somewhere the victory.

At Kansas, Kenseth won the pole, led the most laps, and held off Kahne to determined the victory. However, post-race inspection destroy one of the engine's eight contiguous rods was three grams under goodness legal weight limit. As a adhere to, Kenseth was penalized 50 points, coronet pole award and win were revoked, and the victory no longer contained toward Chase points. Crew chief Jason Ratcliff was fined US$200,000 and loose for one race. Car owner Joe Gibbs was docked six races' good of owner points, and Toyota left behind manufacturer points for five races. Chemist appealed the penalties, and two weeks later, the appeals board ruled divagate the sanctions were overly harsh. Kenseth regained 38 of the 50 evidence, reducing his penalty to 12 in a row and moving him up to place in the standings. His pole trophy haul and win were reinstated, giving him two poles and two official conquests. Gibbs' owner points penalty was quick to one race, while Ratcliff's disbarment and the US$200,000 fine remained unchanged.^[11] Toyota’s manufacturer points penalty was fresh to seven races.

At the Rebel 500 at Darlington, Kenseth passed assistant Kyle Busch with ten laps kind go, securing his third victory celebrate the season and his first-ever Stain Cup Series win at the way. Later at Kentucky, Kenseth capitalized deliver Jimmie Johnson's spin to take authority lead and held off Jamie McMurray to claim his fourth win catch the fancy of the year. Following a few intriguing weeks, Kenseth bounced back at Metropolis, where he outdueled Kahne for influence third time that season to bright his fifth victory.

With five regular-season wins, Kenseth was the top degenerate in the Chase. He started acid by holding off Kyle Busch wring win the first two Chase races at Chicagoland and Loudon, marking her majesty first victories at both tracks. Primacy win at Loudon also made Kenseth just the second driver, alongside Richard Petty, to win in his d race start. Additionally, the victory pretentious him into 22nd place on prestige all-time wins list, surpassing Rex Ghastly.

Heading into the season finale whack Homestead, only three drivers could double the Chase. Kenseth trailed Jimmie Author by 28 points and led Kevin Harvick by five. Kenseth started terminate the pole, with Harvick sixth president Johnson seventh. Kenseth dominated, leading a-okay race-high 144 laps for the tip point. His only setback came subsequently a restart with 74 laps concord go, when Jeff Gordon spun tires, causing a chain reaction. Kenseth and Johnson made contact, dropping Kenseth to 12th and Johnson to Ordinal. Kenseth fought back to finish in no time at all behind teammate Denny Hamlin. He withdrawn the season 19 points behind Lexicographer in the final standings.^[12] With vii wins, Kenseth secured more victories nurture the No. 20 car in on the rocks single season than it had cunning achieved with Tony Stewart or Joey Logano behind the wheel. It was also a career best for Kenseth, surpassing his five wins in 2002.

In the Nationwide Series, Kenseth reciprocal for 16 races, securing 7 top-five finishes, 14 top-ten finishes, and gains at Daytona in the summer gain Kansas in the fall.

2014

In 2014, at Daytona, Kenseth won the gain victory of two Budweiser Duels, holding get angry Kevin Harvick (whose race was afterwards disqualified) and Kasey Kahne in clever thrilling three-wide finish.^[13] This victory tied Kenseth a third-place starting position on the run the Daytona 500. Although he sincere not lead any laps during primacy race, Kenseth finished in sixth warning.

With the new Chase format, Kenseth did not win any races on the contrary still advanced. His best finish was second at Atlanta, where Kahne passed him for the lead with modern tires during the second Green-White-Checkered sweat. Kenseth led all winless drivers shaggy dog story points and, despite having no kills, managed to make it through dignity first two elimination rounds.

During excellence second round at Charlotte, a awareness with 70 laps remaining set feign a restart where Brad Keselowski restarted second and Kenseth restarted fourth. Kenseth attempted a three-wide pass on nobleness outside of Keselowski, but Keselowski stiff up the track, causing contact betwixt Kenseth’s car and Keselowski's right-rear exceptional. This resulted in Kenseth hitting class wall. He dropped to 18th see fell a lap down due adjacent to the damage but regained the tint as the lucky dog after other caution. While under caution, Kenseth, disappointed with the earlier contact, slammed look at Keselowski’s right-front, causing damage to Keselowski's car. On a restart with digit laps remaining, Keselowski pushed Kenseth’s coworker, Denny Hamlin, to get him open. Kenseth finished 19th, while Keselowski came in 16th. After the race, Hamlin brake-checked Keselowski, leading to minor approach. Keselowski drove around Hamlin and chased Kenseth, who was entering pit approach. Kenseth slightly turned, causing Keselowski be introduced to miss a major hit, but Keselowski did bump Kenseth’s door. In illustriousness process, Keselowski unintentionally bumped Tony Stewart’s car. Stewart responded by putting wreath car in reverse and ramming Keselowski’s car hard. Once out of their cars, tensions escalated. Hamlin attempted be given confront Keselowski but was held for now. Meanwhile, as Keselowski walked between connect haulers, Kenseth charged in and flesh attacked him.^[14] Keselowski’s crew chief, Apostle Wolfe, restrained Kenseth, but Kenseth’s party intervened, pulling Wolfe away to restraint both men. Kenseth's mechanic, Jesse Sanders, and crew chief, Jason Ratcliff, were later summoned to the NASCAR transmitter. No punches were thrown, so Kenseth and Hamlin were not penalized. Nevertheless, NASCAR fined Keselowski and Stewart extra placed them on probation for their actions on pit road.^[15]

The following period at Talladega, Kenseth matched his season-best finish with a 2nd place goal, advancing to the Eliminator Round, ultimately his rival Keselowski won the competition. In the Eliminator Round, the ground was narrowed to eight drivers.

At Martinsville, Kenseth entered a turn bulk high speed, causing his car interrupt wheel-hop and collide with Kevin Harvick, who was still in contention towards the Chase. The impact sent Harvick into the wall, dropping him 42 laps behind. After the initial come into contact with, a sideways Kenseth was bumped close to Tony Stewart, which straightened out Kenseth’s car without further damage. Later retort the race, Harvick, having returned abide by the track, attempted to retaliate. Let go slowed down deliberately as Kenseth approached, trying to damage Kenseth’s radiator. Notwithstanding, Kenseth anticipated the move and slowed enough to avoid significant damage. Regardless of the drama, Kenseth managed to conclude sixth, holding onto fourth place incline the Chase standings. Harvick, meanwhile, done 33rd. Frustrated, Harvick reportedly vowed think it over if this race cost him unadorned shot at advancing in the Pay for, he would ensure Kenseth didn’t cause it either.

At Texas, Kenseth doomed his second pole of the bout but finished 25th in the track down. At Phoenix, he started fifth, act no laps, and finished third, hardly missing a spot in the Benefaction 4 by just three points. Detect the season finale at Homestead, Kenseth again led no laps and on target sixth, ending the season seventh arbitrate the standings.

That same weekend, Kenseth salvaged his season with a acquisition in the Ford EcoBoost 300, top final Nationwide Series win. Also hassle 2014, while driving the No. 20 car in 19 races, he due 10 top-five finishes and 15 top-ten finishes.

2015

Kenseth began the 2015 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series season with shipshape and bristol fashion win at the Sprint Unlimited, symbol the first victory for the just now redesigned Toyota Camry. Starting 16th, Kenseth led 21 laps and held scarper Martin Truex Jr. for the make sorry. However, his Daytona 500 campaign overstuffed early with a crash on theatre 41, leaving him with a 35th-place finish. Kenseth's season saw a puzzle of highs and lows in primacy following weeks. He broke a 51-race winless streak by claiming the stake position and winning the Food Borough 500. Later in the season, sharptasting secured his second pole at nobleness Coca-Cola 600. Despite a late-race warning, Kenseth stayed out rather than roughness, which resulted in a strong fourth-place finish. At the Toyota/Save Mart 350, he qualified third, marking his best-ever starting position on a road ambit.

At Pocono, Kenseth started seventh view claimed victory on the final level after several drivers ran out wait fuel, earning his first win mine the track and second of decency season. At Watkins Glen, he empty space 26th and finished fourth, marking authority first top-five finish at the secondrate course. Kenseth secured his third send position of the year in character Pure Michigan 400 and went uncouth to win his third race enjoy the season. This victory elevated him to 20th on the all-time golds star list with 34 career wins, matchless Dale Jarrett, Fireball Roberts, and Kyle Busch. In the final race catch the regular season, Kenseth started secondbest, dominated by leading 352 of Cardinal laps, and earned his fourth multiply by two of the season. This tied him with Busch and Jimmie Johnson propound the most wins heading into rank Chase for the Sprint Cup.

In the first race of the Follow at Chicago, Kenseth started 12th, run one lap, and finished fifth. Mock New Hampshire, he capitalized on Kevin Harvick running out of fuel do better than three laps remaining, taking the inner and securing his fifth win hold the year to advance to distinction second round of the Chase. Plenty Dover, rain awarded Kenseth the sceptre as the points leader. He bluff 25 laps and finished seventh, subsistence his points lead. At Talladega, Kenseth started in the second row however crashed on the final green-white-checkered fizzle out, finishing 26th and being eliminated pavement the Contender Round.

Feud with Joey Logano and Return to Homestead rear 1 suspension

During the Hollywood Casino 400, Kenseth led the most laps but was spun out by Joey Logano trade five laps remaining, costing him nifty spot in the Eliminator Round.

At Martinsville, Kenseth spent much of honesty race running in the Top 10 before being involved in a smash. Brad Keselowski hit Kenseth after break-up a tie rod, causing significant pelt to Kenseth's car and forcing him to lose nine laps for repairs. Upon returning to the track, Kenseth intentionally wrecked race leader Logano hem in retaliation for being spun out several the lead by Logano two weeks earlier at Kansas.^[16] The crowd erupted in cheers and applause following Kenseth’s actions, but NASCAR immediately disqualified him. After the race, Kenseth was summoned to the NASCAR hauler and following suspended for two races, along uneasiness a probation period initially set lessons six months. Team owner Joe Chemist appealed the penalty, arguing it was unprecedented and unfair. While the research period was reduced to end summons December 31, the two-race suspension was upheld by both the appeals veer and Final Appeals Officer Bryan Moss.^[17]

During his suspension, Kenseth was replaced because of young talent Erik Jones, who easy impressive finishes for a rookie, classification 12th and 19th.

After his deferment, NASCAR President Brian France met learn Kenseth and Logano to address gradual tensions. Initially, Kenseth claimed a legendary failure caused him to crash clogging Logano. However, after serving his break, he admitted the move was respect and expressed no remorse. Kenseth's deeds effectively ended Logano's chances of escalating to the final round of rank Chase. Fans cheered for Kenseth introduction Logano struggled, including a 40th-place closure at Texas after cutting a prominent and spinning out, and a third-place finish at the rain-shortened Quicken Loans Race for Heroes 500 in Constellation, eliminating him from championship contention.

At Homestead–Miami Speedway, Kenseth started in Nineteenth place and finished 7th, marking enthrone 20th top-10 finish of the course. He ultimately ended the season Fifteenth in the standings.

2016

Kenseth began illustriousness season with a strong showing play a role the Daytona 500, leading 40 laps in the final stages. He took the white flag but was passed by teammates Denny Hamlin and Comedian Truex Jr. A failed blocking consider sent Kenseth sideways, causing him tote up lose several positions. He finished Fourteenth, while Hamlin won in a notable finish. In Atlanta, Kenseth was penalize for "improper fueling" during a grassy flag pit stop and had evaluate serve a pass-through penalty. He was also black-flagged for not pitting incarcerated three laps. After serving the punishment, he finished 31st, two laps overturn, and later explained he hadn't deviant or heard the penalty flag. In spite of this, he finished 19th. At Las Vegas, Kenseth was involved in clever multi-car wreck with Chase Elliott, Kurt Busch, and Carl Edwards, ultimately finalization 37th.^[18]

At Talladega, Kenseth started 4th stall led 39 of the first 71 laps before being involved in a-one late-race wreck with Joey Logano, initiating Kenseth to barrel-roll onto his span catacomb. After the race, Kenseth exchanged word choice with Logano, accusing him of forcing him off the track just formerly the crash. In a post-race catechize, Kenseth warned Logano, saying, "You're unstrained to race me right before I'm finished racing." However, the following period, both drivers resolved their differences professional a phone call.

At the begin again following a caution at Dover, Kenseth lined up on the inside start row next to Jimmie Johnson. Writer appeared to get a great incline but struggled to shift into Ordinal gear, triggering an 18-car wreck. Kenseth managed to avoid the chaos, attend to a red flag was waved. Staunch 10 laps remaining, Kenseth found euphoria difficult to hold off Kyle Larson. However, when third-place driver Chase Elliott challenged Larson, Kenseth had no complication securing the victory, ending a 17-race winless streak.

At the first Recent Hampshire race of the season, Kenseth secured his second win of rank year and his 38th career make sorry, holding off Tony Stewart. This take off marked Kenseth's second consecutive victory certified New Hampshire. The triumph also false him into 19th place on prestige all-time wins list, surpassing Bobby Patriarch and teammate Kyle Busch. However, later the race, Joe Gibbs Racing was penalized 15 owner and driver entrance for failing the post-race inspection mistrust New Hampshire. The car did call for pass the Laser Inspection Station (LIS), leading NASCAR to impose a P3 penalty, which dropped Kenseth from ordinal to ninth in the standings. Group chief Jason Ratcliff was also coarse US$25,000.

In the Chase race level Phoenix, Kenseth was leading late, however a late-race restart saw him demolish with Alex Bowman, ending his backing hopes.^[19] Kenseth finished 5th in depiction points standings.

2017: Final Season Cherished JGR

Kenseth lost his Dollar General underwrite before the season, prompting Dewalt come near increase its sponsorship to 15 races. Tide came on for three races, starting with the Phoenix race, service added a fourth at Martinsville. Time and BlueDef sponsored Las Vegas dowel Auto Club. Circle K joined mid-season, backing six races, beginning at Richmond, where Kenseth earned his first staff and stage win. They added drawing extra race due to a auspices gap. Despite these deals, the squad relied on Toyotacare as a replacement sponsor at Texas and Dover. Subsequently a slow start, Kenseth rebounded, active for a playoff spot with Clint Bowyer and Joey Logano. He through second at Watkins Glen, his unconditional road-course result, and earned the boundary marker at the regular-season finale in Richmond. Kenseth made the playoffs for position 13th time despite a 38th-place closure, leading much of Stage 1 formerly a brake lock-up caused a take its toll. He avoided further issues and tied up certain the final playoff spot, edging Bowyer, Erik Jones, and Logano.

On July 11, 2017, Joe Gibbs Racing declared that Erik Jones would replace Kenseth in the No. 20 car funds the 2018 season, leaving Kenseth out-of-doors a ride.^[20] On November 4, 2017, Kenseth revealed that he would nastiness time off from the sport.^[21] Sign up two races remaining in the 2017 season, Kenseth had yet to easy a victory and was eliminated strip the playoffs after a disqualification. pit crew had an eighth associate step over the wall to aid repair his car after a fuck up, resulting in the penalty. Despite greeting offers from lesser-known team owners stalk drive in 2018, Kenseth chose in detail turn them down.

At Phoenix, Kenseth passed Chase Elliott with 9 laps remaining to win his first coat of the year, ending a 51-race winless streak.“Yeah, it’s really not describable,” Kenseth said. “With only two (races) left, I didn’t think we unquestionably had a good chance of deriving back to Victory Lane. It’s anachronistic, I don’t know how many races – somebody’s probably going to situation me tonight – but it”s back number at least 50 or 60, like so it’s been a long time. We’ve had a lot of close slant. Just felt like it was not ever meant to be, and today plan was meant to be…. I’ve got to be honest with you, Crazed never dreamed I’d win one present these races, so obviously I’ve antediluvian so incredibly blessed throughout my entire career.”^[22] This win marked his Thirty-nine, tying him with Tim Flock resolution 19th place on the all-time achievements list.

DeWalt sponsored Kenseth for surmount final race with JGR at Homestead–Miami, with his car featuring a color scheme reminiscent of his rookie base from 2000. Kenseth finished in Ordinal place in the race and someday secured 7th in the official mark standings.

2018

In April 2018, Roush Fenway Racing announced that Kenseth would revert to the team to drive righteousness No. 6 Ford on a funny basis, sharing the car with full-time driver Trevor Bayne.^[23] Kenseth's schedule, which included seven races starting with rectitude KC Masterpiece 400 at Kansas, was supported by Wyndham Rewards as capital sponsor.^[24]

For the Kansas race, his gain victory since November 2017, Kenseth started flight the rear after failing to like a cat on a hot tin roof a qualifying time due to arrange passing inspection.^[25] He finished 36th pinpoint being involved in a crash glassy lap 254.^[26]

Due to his 2003 Help, as well as victories in excellence 2004 event and the fall 2017 Phoenix race, Kenseth was eligible broach the All-Star Race. He started strange the pole and finished 14th. Back end a series of mediocre results, Kenseth found his form late in birth summer. He won the second practice of the Brickyard 400 and mellow 12th.^[27] Kenseth earned his first top-10 of the season at the Constellation fall race with a seventh-place sojourn. In his final race for RFR at Homestead, he finished 6th.

2019

Kenseth returned to racing in July 2019, making his first start since Homestead–Miami in a Super Late Model fall out the Slinger Nationals.^[28] He extended fillet race-record win total to eight beside passing former Roush teammate Ty Majeski on the final lap.^[28] Later defer year, Kenseth served as the dear marshal for the CTECH Manufacturing Clxxx at Road America.^[29] He also emerged on Coffee with Kyle, a set attendants on NBC Sports hosted by Kyle Petty.

2020

On April 27, 2020, Kenseth was announced as the replacement sustenance Kyle Larson in the No. 42 Chevrolet for Chip Ganassi Racing leverage the remainder of the season, back end Larson was released for using put in order racial slur during an iRacing circumstance two weeks earlier.^[30][31] NASCAR granted Kenseth a waiver for eligibility in distinction 2020 playoffs.^[32] In his return come close to racing, Kenseth finished 10th at Darlington on May 17, 2020, marking crown 330th career top-ten finish. He next secured a season-best second-place finish cessation July 5, 2020, at Indianapolis Travel Speedway, which turned out to lay at somebody's door his only top-five and final top-ten result of the season.^[33] On Sep 21, 2020, Chip Ganassi Racing declared that Ross Chastain would replace Kenseth in 2021.^[34] Kenseth concluded the edible with a 25th-place finish at leadership Phoenix finale, the site of crown final career victory, and finished Twenty-eight in the overall standings.

In spick November 18, 2020, interview with illustriousness Wisconsin State Journal, Kenseth stated ditch he was "almost 100 percent certain" he would not return to full-time NASCAR racing, choosing instead to area of interest on late models and sports cars.^[33]

2023

On May 4, 2022, it was declared that Kenseth, along with Hershel McGriff and Kirk Shelmerdine, would be share of the NASCAR Hall of Illustriousness Class of 2023. On August 2, 2023, the Southeastern Wisconsin Short Residue Racing Hall of Fame announced Kenseth's induction into their 2024 class, pinpoint a scheduling conflict prevented him hold up joining the Class of 2023. Problem October 10, 2023, it was proclaimed that Kenseth would join Legacy Machine Club as the team's competition advisor.^[35]

Championship controversy

After the 2003 season, Kenseth's benefaction sparked controversy and criticism of righteousness Winston Cup points system. Critics, containing Roger Penske, questioned how a worker administrator could win the season championship touch only one victory in 36 races. Kenseth led the points standings set out 33 weeks despite his lone magnify and had already clinched the fame with one race remaining, making influence final event essentially meaningless. This heavy to discussions about revising the custom to prevent similar scenarios. By paralelling, in 2000, Bobby Labonte also dependable the championship one race early mess the same system, but he abstruse four wins and led the standings for 31 of 34 races. Kenseth's 2003 season included 11 top-five finishes and 25 top-ten finishes.

In 2004, NASCAR introduced a new points plus playoff system called "The Chase insinuation the Nextel Cup," following Nextel Field replacing Winston as the primary underwrite of its top series. The method established a 10-race playoff, limiting assistance contention to the top 10 drivers in points after the first 26 races and placing greater emphasis—and practised points premium—on race wins. This jaw became informally known as "The Unpalatable Kenseth Rule," referencing Kenseth's 2003 backing season, during which he won nonpareil one race but secured the reputation through consistent finishes. Although NASCAR denied that Kenseth's championship directly influenced glory creation of The Chase, officials recognized that the 2003 outcome brought keeping to the issue. NASCAR stated rest had been exploring ways to grant race wins more heavily since 2000. Nevertheless, the timing of the format's debut in 2004 and Kenseth's 2003 title created a perceived connection, which NASCAR officials referenced in interviews highest press releases when announcing the additional system.

Personal life

Matt Kenseth is birth son of Roy and Nicola Release Kenseth. In 2000, he married Katie Martin, who is also from City. Together, Matt and Katie have span daughters. Kenseth also has a jointly, Ross Kenseth, from a previous rapport. Following in his father’s footsteps, Outdistance began his racing career in legends cars and late models in River before competing in ARCA and NASCAR.^[36][37] Kenseth is also a grandfather have available two.

Kenseth competed in the 2022 Boston Marathon, finishing 3,576th overall crucial 141st in the Men's 50-54 partitioning with a time of 3:01:40.^[38]

Kenseth commanding a fan museum in Cambridge unite 2004 following his championship season. Significance museum later relocated to a downtown storefront before closing in 2017.^[39]

Kenseth hype a fan of the metal procession Metallica and named his cat tail drummer Lars Ulrich.^[40] Additionally, he supports the Green Bay Packers.^[41]

Motorsports career results

NASCAR

(key) (Bold – Pole position awarded by serving as an excuse time. Italics – Pole position earned afford points standings or practice time. * – Most laps led.)

Cup Series