
Photo: Tyman9348 (CC BY 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Matt
Kenseth
Career overview
With a championship title and numerous wins, he has left an indelible mark on the sport and continues to influence racing as a competition advisor.
Visit the official Matt Kenseth site →
Career honours
1NASCAR Winston Cup Series Champion · 2003
1NASCAR Rookie of the Year · 2000
2Daytona 500 Winner · 2009, 2012
2International Race of Champions Champion · 2004
Records
RMost Slinger Nationals victories · Record holder at Slinger Speedway.
RLast driver to compete in NASCAR Cup Series across four decades · 1990s, 2000s, 2010s, and 2020s.
Biography
Early Life & Origins
Born in Cambridge, Wisconsin, Matt Kenseth began his racing career at the age of 16 on local short tracks. His early experiences included working on race cars with his father, which laid the foundation for his future success in stock car racing.
Rise to Prominence
Kenseth's rise in NASCAR began in the late 1990s when he transitioned from the short tracks of Wisconsin to the NASCAR Busch Series. His talent quickly became evident as he earned Rookie of the Year honors in 2000, followed by a successful full-time career in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Playing Style & Technique
Known for his strategic racing style, Kenseth often displayed patience and precision on the track. His ability to adapt to different racing conditions and maintain consistent performance contributed to his reputation as a skilled and reliable driver.
Defining Moments & Achievements
Kenseth's career highlights include winning the 2003 NASCAR Winston Cup Series Championship and the Daytona 500 in both 2009 and 2012. His impressive record of 39 wins and 331 top-ten finishes solidifies his status as one of NASCAR's elite drivers.
Rivalries & Era Context
Competing against notable drivers such as Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kenseth's career was marked by intense rivalries that defined the NASCAR landscape in the early 2000s. His battles on the track contributed to the excitement and competitiveness of the sport during that era.
Legacy & Impact
Kenseth's impact on NASCAR extends beyond his driving achievements; he has influenced a generation of drivers and remains active in the sport as a competition advisor. His legacy is characterized by his professionalism, sportsmanship, and dedication to racing.
Stats in detail
NASCAR Cup Series
Kenseth's performance in the NASCAR Cup Series showcases his consistency and skill over a long career.
| Races Run | 697 |
| Wins | 39 |
| Top Tens | 331 |
| Poles | 20 |
| Best Finish | 1st (2003) |
| First Race | 1998 MBNA Gold 400 |
| Last Race | 2020 Season Finale 500 |
NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series
Kenseth had a successful run in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, demonstrating his talent in various competitions.
| Races Run | 288 |
| Wins | 29 |
| Top Tens | 202 |
| Poles | 17 |
| Best Finish | 2nd (1998) |
| First Race | 1996 Red Dog 300 |
| Last Race | 2015 Kansas Lottery 300 |
NASCAR Canada Series
Kenseth's brief appearance in the NASCAR Canada Series was marked by a notable victory.
| Races Run | 1 |
| Wins | 1 |
| Top Tens | 1 |
| Poles | 0 |
| Best Finish | 1st (2002) |
| First Race | 2002 Canada Day Shootout |
International Race of Champions
Kenseth's participation in the International Race of Champions highlighted his competitiveness against top drivers.
| 2004 Position | 1st |
| 2005 Position | 3rd |
| 2006 Position | 2nd |
Career timeline
1988Began racing career on Wisconsin short tracks.
2000Won NASCAR Rookie of the Year.
2003Won the NASCAR Winston Cup Series Championship.
2004Won the International Race of Champions Championship.
2009Won the Daytona 500.
2012Won the Daytona 500 for the second time.
2017Achieved last NASCAR Cup Series win at the Can-Am 500.
2020Competed in the last race of his NASCAR Cup Series career.
Matt Kenseth career moments
- February 22: Kenseth also ran full-time, winning his first Busch Series race on February 22, 1998, by nudging leader Tony S
- April 9: A few races later, he ended a 76-race winless streak by winning at Texas Motor Speedway on April 9, 2011.
- May 28: In the Nationwide Series, on May 28, 2011, Kenseth won the Top Gear 300 at Charlotte while filling in for Trev
- June 26: It was announced that Kenseth would leave Roush Fenway Racing at the end of the season.
- September 4: Joe Gibbs Racing officially announced that Kenseth would join the team for the 2013 season.
- October 7: Kenseth claimed his second win of the year by taking victory in the Talladega fall race.
- October 21: Kenseth secured his third win of the season and second during the 2012 Chase, triumphing at the freshly repave
- November 18: Kenseth won the Ford 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 18, 2007.
Latest Kenseth News
All 45 stories →
NASCAR · Player Focus
Matt Kenseth Trails Joey Logano by One Win in All-Time Cup Series

NASCAR · Player Focus
Matt Kenseth referenced as Denny Hamlin compares Carson Hocevar’s struggles to past NASCAR feuds

NASCAR · Tactical Analysis
Matt Kenseth Reacts to Denny Hamlin’s Warning on Carson Hocevar’s Racing Future

NASCAR · Match Report
Matt Kenseth meets fan who hopped fence during red-flagged NASCAR race

NASCAR · Player Focus
Matt Kenseth's 2015 Revenge on Joey Logano: NASCAR's Infamous Feud
Frequently asked
What is Matt Kenseth's net worth?
Matt Kenseth's estimated net worth is around $60 million.
How tall is Matt Kenseth?
Matt Kenseth is 5 feet 9 inches tall.
How old is Matt Kenseth?
Matt Kenseth is 54 years old, born on March 10, 1972.
Is Matt Kenseth retired or still active?
Matt Kenseth is retired from professional racing.




