Matt Kenseth: Charismatic Race Car Driver

Matt Kenseth might very well be the most hands-on guy in racing. Not only does Kenseth have a comprehensive Web site where fans can learn all about him, he has an "Ask Matt" page which features questions from readers and he has a fan forum where fans can meet online to discuss Kenseth, other drivers and the sport of racing. In addition to all that, Kenseth invites fans to visit the Matt Kenseth Fan Club Headquarters in Cambridge, Wisconsin. Admission to the museum is free, and you can meet Kenseth if you stop by during one of his scheduled appearances.

Kenseth's "Ask Matt" page can fill you in on race practices you might not be aware of. For example, one fan writes in with this question: "Why does the gas man shake the empty gas can prior to you leaving the pit box?" Kenseth answers, "When the gas man shakes his can, he's letting us all know the tank is full. When the catch can start starts filling up, he knows the tank is full, and since his hands are full he shakes the empty can. That lets Chip know it's full, but more importantly it lets the jack man know as well. The jack man makes sure the car is full and the tire changers are done before he drops the jack and lets me go." Some of the questions are simple ones along the lines of what type of sunglasses do you wear (Revolvrs), but some can get fairly technical ("What is wedge?" Answer: Wedge is the crossweight in the car.).

Like a number of other drivers, Kenseth was introduced to the sport of racing by his father. Says Kenseth, "My dad made me a deal when I was 13. He would buy me a race car and drive it if I would work on it and keep it up. Then, when I turned 16, I could drive the car. It was hard work, but it was also a great experience and really prepared me to do more than just steer the car." That experience has certainly paid off. In 1994, Kenseth became the youngest driver to win the Genuine Miller Draft National Championship. In 1997, Kenseth won Rookie of the Year honors. Kenseth made his debut in the Winston Cup Series in 1998 racing for Bill Elliott who had to attend his father's funeral the day of the race. Keseth finished sixth in that race, the third best debut of any NASCAR driver. Kenseth was the 2000 Winston Cup Rookie of the Year, the 2003 Winston Cup Champion, and the 2004 IROC Champion.