Matt Tifft

Matthew "Matt" K. Tifft (born June 26, 1996) is an American professional stock car racing driver. A development driver for Joe Gibbs Racing, he currently competes full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the No. 19 Toyota Camry for JGR. He also races in the Camping World Truck Series, driving the No. 11 Toyota Tundra for Red Horse Racing.

Racing career

Early career (2007–2010)

In the fall of 2007, Tifft had his first opportunity to race in a go-kart at Barberton Speedway in Norton, Ohio. He was coached by Kevin Harter of CRP Racing. In 2009, he made his first divisional and national level go kart schedule, under Beasley Motorsports, being coached by Gary Lawson. During this season, Tifft would win two national-level victories. In 2010, Tifft transitioned from karts to asphalt and dirt super late models, with the help of Josh Richards, Dale McDowell, Clint Smith, Benny Gordon, and Tim Schendel.

Stock car racing (2011–present)

2011 marked Tifft's first full year in stock cars, as he compiled two super late model victories and had multiple top-5 finishes. Along with the work with Schendel and Gordon, Tifft also raced a significant amount of races with BJ McLeod Motorsports. In 2012, Tifft won the Rookie of the Year title in the ARCA Midwest Tour. In addition, Tifft finished the season with 5th in points overall.

In 2013, Tifft joined the Win-Tron Racing team to race in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East, as well as select ARCA Series races.

In 2014, Tifft signed with Ken Schrader Racing to run select ARCA and K&N East races. Tifft also made his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut at Martinsville Speedway, finishing 8th.

On November 14, 2014, it was announced that Tifft will be running a 6-race schedule with Kyle Busch Motorsports for the 2015 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.

Tifft made his Xfinity Series debut in 2015 with Joe Gibbs Racing, finishing 10th. The following year, Tifft was then signed by JGR to drive the No. 18 in 13 races. Tifft drove 3 races with JGL Racing driving the No. 24 in the Xfinity Series, before driving for JGR. Tifft also joined Red Horse Racing to drive the No. 11 in the Truck Series.

Tifft sustained a disc condition in his back in 2016, and on recommendation of his doctor, sat out American Ethanol E15 250. Sam Hornish Jr. subbed for him and ended up winning the race. Tifft eventually underwent surgery for a low-grade glioma in his brain. On September 12, NASCAR officials cleared Tifft to return to racing.

On November 4, 2016, it was announced that Tifft would drive full-time in JGR's No. 19 entry in 2017, competing for the Rookie of the Year.

Achievements

2011

• 2 Wins
• 4 Top-5 Finishes
• 6 Top-10 Finish

2012

• ARCA Midwest Tour Rookie of the Year
• 5th Place Overall Points

2013

• 2 Top-5 Finishes
• 8 Top-10 Finishes

2014

• 2-Time Scott Rookie Challenge Award Winner (Toledo & Chicagoland)
• 5 Top-5 Finishes
• 11 Top-10 Finishes

2015

• 3 Top-5 Finishes
• 6 Top-10 Finishes

• "TIFFT HUSTLES TO 3rd PLACE AT TOLEDO, WINS SCOTT ROOKIE CHALLENGE AWARD". Matt Tifft Racing. May 19, 2014. Retrieved 2014-10-27. 
• "Top 3 in the Windy City". Matt Tifft Racing. Jul 20, 2014. Retrieved 2014-10-27. 

Personal life

Tifft grew up with his siblings Morgan and Maggie in Hinckley, OH. He currently attends school at UNC Charlotte, majoring in Business Management.

On July 1, 2016, Tifft underwent surgery to remove a low-grade, benign brain tumor. The tumor was discovered during treatment of a back injury.

Motorsports career results

NASCAR

(key) (Bold – Pole position awarded by qualifying time. Italics – Pole position earned by points standings or practice time. * – Most laps led.)

Xfinity Series

Camping World Truck Series

* Season still in progress
1 Ineligible for series points

ARCA Racing Series

(key) (Bold – Pole position awarded by qualifying time. Italics – Pole position earned by points standings or practice time. * – Most laps led.)