Matt DiBenedetto

My 3-year-old’s birthday party was cancelled due to COVID-19. Then Denny Hamlin, first responders, and Caps fans came to the rescue.

I’ve been looking forward to March 20, 2020, over the last few months because it’s my son Ethan Wesley’s third birthday. Ethan’s started to have a better understanding of the world and that has made everything more fun recently. So we planned to throw him a big racecar and trucks themed birthday party this weekend to celebrate because those are his favorite things in the world.

“I can’t wait!! My… birf-day. I three!” he said when I reminded him the big day was approaching before bedtime last night. “PRESENTS. ME!” (We’re learning on being less selfish.)

Unfortunately, we had to cancel Ethan’s big birthday party a few weeks ago due to the COVID-19 outbreak. And we couldn’t attend the Capitals game on Friday, which we had gotten tickets for, to see Ethan’s namesake, Caps PA announcer Wes Johnson.

Despite these setbacks, we’ve tried our best to make things as normal as possible for Ethan while still practicing social distancing as the CDC recommends. We also got some incredible help from two of the most popular NASCAR drivers in the world, Denny Hamlin and Matt DiBenedetto, as well as first responders and Capitals fans to make Ethan’s third birthday very special.

(more…)

By Ian Oland 3 years ago

0 Comment

RMNB Reader Ryan Ellis set to make return to NASCAR racing at Road America, will wear Deadguins helmet

Road America is one of America’s premier race tracks, with massive amounts of horsepower bellowing through lush Wisconsin hills.

On Saturday one of our very own will be there, as RMNB reader Ryan Ellis takes to the circuit in the SS-Green Light Racing 07 Chevrolet Camaro in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. It will be Ryan’s first race of the season. He will be turning both left and right, sponsored by Superlite Cars and Bachtel Excavating. You can see it all on NBC at 3 PM on Sunday.

“I’m probably more excited for this race than just about other race in my career,” Ellis said. “I almost didn’t even’t have time to get excited because it all came together so quickly.”

Ryan will be wearing a helmet featuring a Deadguins sticker — a nod to the Capitals’ hated rival, the Pittsburgh Penguins. The bucket is also signed by Tony Stewart and Dale Earnhardt, Jr., who is retiring after this season.

(more…)

By Chris Gordon 6 years ago

0 Comment

The Capitals-related reason why you should vote Matt DiBenedetto into NASCAR’s All-Star Race

Yes, we know we cover hockey, but we have a NASCAR-related request. At midnight tonight, voting for this Saturday’s All-Star Race at Charlotte Motor Speedway ends. Would you vote for Matt DiBenedetto for us?

DiBenedetto, who currently ranks 32nd in Monster Energy Cup standings, races for a very small team called Go Fas Racing. His PR manager is none other than Caps fan and guy who once raced a NASCAR with RMNB’s logo on the hood Ryan Ellis. A source tells RMNB that DiBenedetto is neck and neck in a four-way race between Danica Patrick, Chase Elliott, and Ryan Blaney for the top spot. That means your votes could literally put the man I call DiBurrito over the top.

Drivers can qualify several different ways for the race. Drivers that have recently won a race or been a Cup Series champ automatically get entry. For guys like DiBenedetto, the only way in is to win the fan vote to be included in the field of 20 drivers.

Recently, the third-year Cup driver published a serious but touching video, arguing why he deserved your support. It inspired a vote from Redskins fan Dale Earnhardt, Jr.

(more…)

By Ian Oland 6 years ago

0 Comment

After career-best season, Ryan Ellis, without sponsorship, helps best friend Matt DiBenedetto finish ninth at Daytona 500

Sunday evening, NASCAR driver and Capitals fan Ryan Ellis looked on from pit lane as his best friend Matt DiBenedetto crossed the finish line, placing ninth at the Daytona 500. The finish was the talented 25-year-old’s second top-ten ever during three seasons of racing in the Monster Energy Cup. Ellis high-fived and hugged everyone in the pit stall of the number-32 Go Fas Racing team. It was almost as if the team had won.

“At that moment, I felt so much joy. I really felt like I became part of Matt’s team,” Ellis said in a phone interview from the track. “But when I calmed down, I admittedly was super jealous and wished it was me out there.”

(more…)

By Ian Oland 6 years ago

0 Comment