Biography
In 2001, Kenseth finished 13th in Cup points, notching four top-5s in his sophomore season, but was kept from Victory Lane.
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Matt Kenseth had many opportunities to race on some of the most competitive short tracks in the nation. he began his stock car racing career in 1988 at the age of 16. In just his third race, while just a high school junior, won his first feature event. Two weeks later, another win followed and over the next two seasons, Kenseth won a total of 10 main events at numerous Wisconsin's tracks.
By the age of 19, Kenseth had already moved up to the ultra-competitive Wisconsin late model ranks. Kenseth became the youngest winner ever in the ARTGO Challenge Series history. The old record was held by NASCAR Winston Cup Series star Mark Martin. Many were quick to make comparisons between the two drivers.
Over the next three seasons, Kenseth did little to slow comparisons to great drivers, capturing 46 super-late model victories.
In 1995, Kenseth made his first trip south to the NASCAR All Pro Series. In 1996, he finished third in the Hooters Series. In 1997, Kenseth began driving in the ASA series. While running in second in the standings, Kenseth packed his bags for the NASCAR Busch Series Grand National Division.
Kenseth took the reigns of the No. 17 Reiser Enterprises Chevrolet. In 1998, Kenseth's first full season, he finished second in the standings. He also made his NASCAR Winston Cup Series debut in 1998 at Dover, substituting for Bill Elliott. Kenseth finished sixth.
In 1999, Kenseth once again battled for the championship, finishing third in points. He also made five NASCAR Winston Cup Series starts for Roush Racing.
In 2000, Kenseth claimed the NASCAR Winston Cup Series Rookie of the Year Award and finished 14th in the standings.
Awards
2000 Winston Cup Series Rookie of the Year Award
2003 Winston Cup Champion
Matt Kenseth MySpace Graphics
NEXTEL Cup Career Statistics
Driver Fan Club
Team Contact
Matt Kenseth Fan Club
10 Water Street
Cambridge, WI 53523
phone: (608) 423-7991
website: www.mattkenseth.com
cost of membership: Individual memberships are available for $20 and family memberships, for up to 4 persons, for $30
#17 Matt Kenseth
DeWalt/USG Ford
Roush Racing
4600 Roush Place Concord, NC 28207
(704) 720-4600
(704) 720-4607
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