Viking Motorsports is gearing up for a transformative 2025 season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Formerly known as RSS Racing, the team has undergone a complete overhaul, adopting a new identity, car number, manufacturer, and operational strategy. The rebranded team will field the No. 99 Chevrolet, driven by NASCAR veteran Matt DiBenedetto. These changes reflect a bold commitment to long-term success as the team charts a new path forward.
After running as a Ford-supported team in 2024, Viking Motorsports has shifted to Chevrolet. Team owner Don Sackett explained that the move was necessary to build a sustainable program. “Chevy was the least bad option,” Sackett admitted, adding that the team will benefit from technical resources provided by Richard Childress Racing (RCR). The decision was influenced by the challenges Viking faced with other manufacturers.
Toyota, through Joe Gibbs Racing, lacked the capacity to provide engines for the team due to commitments to other organizations. Meanwhile, Ford’s partnership terms with Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) proved unfeasible. According to Sackett, SHR demanded $1.3 million annually for an alliance that offered no setup data, simulation support, or other essential tools. Additionally, SHR’s dissolution ahead of the 2025 season made Ford a risky choice, as the team would have faced supply-chain issues for parts.
Initially, Viking Motorsports announced plans to align with RCR, but they later revealed they would compete as an independent team in 2025. Sackett emphasized that this decision was made with the team’s future in mind, allowing them to focus on developing their own technology and infrastructure.
DiBenedetto, a driver with seven years of NASCAR Cup Series experience, brings veteran leadership to the team. In 2024, he recorded a best finish of 7th at Iowa Speedway and Michigan International Speedway. Sackett expressed confidence in his driver and the revamped pit crew, emphasizing that building a strong foundation around DiBenedetto is the key to success.
With its rebrand and a focus on long-term growth, Viking Motorsports is poised to make a significant impact on the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. “We’re going to be good,” Sackett confidently declared.
