Viking Motorsports Switches to Chevrolet, Aligns with Richard Childress Racing
Viking Motorsports shifts Gears: DiBenedetto Stays, Team Moves to Chevy and RCR alliance
NASCAR Xfinity Series team Viking Motorsports is making a major shakeup for the 2025 season, switching from Ford to Chevrolet and forging a technical alliance with Richard childress Racing (RCR). The team, which previously ran the No. 38 out of the RSS Racing stable, will now field the no. 99 Chevrolet Camaro with driver Matt dibenedetto behind the wheel for the next two years.
The move comes after careful consideration of the team’s long-term goals, according to Viking Motorsports owner Don Sackett. In a candid Facebook post, Sackett explained the rationale behind the switch, highlighting the challenges faced by smaller teams in securing competitive resources.
“We realize it’s a crowded field with Chevy, but we have the best driver,” Sackett stated. “If we build a solid team around the driver, we will be fine.”
Sackett revealed that Toyota Racing Growth (TRD) was unable to provide an engine due to high demand,while Stewart-haas Racing (SHR) sought a hefty $1.3 million per year for an alliance that offered limited technical support.
“Ford can’t supply us spare parts. We’re totally at the mercy of Haas for parts as a sole supplier. That isn’t good,” Sackett added.
Ultimately, Chevrolet emerged as the most viable option, offering a pathway to competitive performance through RCR’s technical expertise and support.
“we’re building a long-term program around Matt,” Sackett emphasized.”The key is to develop our own tech, get sim from Chevy when we can. We’ve got a great new pit crew. We’re going to be good.”
The move signals a new chapter for Viking Motorsports, one that prioritizes long-term sustainability and competitiveness in the fiercely contested Xfinity Series. With DiBenedetto at the helm and the backing of RCR, the team is poised to make a notable impact in the coming seasons.
A “Proven Winner” and a “Solid Plan”: Viking Motorsports Explains Chevy switch and RCR Alliance
NewsDirectory3.com Exclusive Interview: viking Motorsports owner Don Sackett sat down with NewsDirectory3 to discuss the team’s upcoming shift to Chevrolet and a technical alliance with richard Childress Racing (RCR) for the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season.
ND3: Don, this move marks a meaningful change for Viking Motorsports. What factors led to the decision to switch from Ford to Chevrolet?
Sackett: The bottom line is securing competitive resources. Toyota Racing Progress (TRD) couldn’t provide us with an engine due to high demand. Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) wanted $1.3 million annually for an alliance, and even then, the technical support wouldn’t have been extensive.
Ford, sadly, can’t supply us with spare parts. We’re completely dependent on Haas as our sole supplier. That simply isn’t sustainable for a growing team.
ND3: So, Chevrolet presented the best overall package?
Sackett: Absolutely.Chevy gives us a pathway to competitiveness. Partnering with RCR provides us with their technical expertise and support.
ND3: Matt DiBenedetto will be returning to the team, driving the No. 99 Chevrolet Camaro. How important was it to retain Matt for this transition?
sackett: We have the best driver. Matt’s a proven winner, and building a strong team around him is key. He’s committed to this programme long-term.
ND3: What are your goals for Viking Motorsports with these changes?
Sackett: We’re building a long-term program, focusing on developing our own technology and utilizing chevy’s simulator resources when available. We have a fantastic new pit crew, and I believe we’re going to be very competitive.
ND3: This is clearly an exciting new chapter for Viking Motorsports.
Sackett: It is indeed. We’re confident in our plan and excited about the future.
