DAYTONA BEACH, FL - JUNE 29: Matt Kenseth, driver of the #20 DEWALT Flexvolt Toyota, stands in the garage area during practice for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series 59th Annual Coke Zero 400 Powered By Coca-Cola at Daytona International Speedway on June 29, 2017 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images)

Matt Kenseth talks about not having a ride in 2018


Advertisement

Matt Kenseth is 45, and the former NASCAR Cup Series champion is currently without a ride for the 2018 season.

Kenseth is also in the middle of a close battle for the playoffs, and he would be the last driver in the field if the postseason started today. He said via NBC Sports he is focused on making the playoffs and isn't worried about his driving situation for next season.

"I'm not worried about (2018) even really one percent anymore to be honest with you," Kenseth said. "I'm just not concerned about it. I'm really concerned about 2017 and that's the truth. I mean we've got 13 races or something left. Three to try to get into ... the playoffs. We're not in there yet.

"Kind of got ran over at the end of the race last week by the 24 (Chase Elliott), trying to race him. But hopefully we get a win, get in the playoffs and try to race for a championship. That's our goal every year, and really that's what I'm been concentrating on."

Advertisement

Related: Dale Earnhardt Jr. points to Kurt Busch, Matt Kenseth as victims of a changing landscape in NASCAR

Kenseth is currently ninth in the points, and he is one of three drivers currently in the playoff field without a win. Chase Elliott and Jamie McMurray are ahead of Kenseth in the points, and Clint Bowyer is 31 points behind Kenseth at the cutoff.

For next season, Kenseth will be replaced in the No. 20 car by Erik Jones for Joe Gibbs Racing. Kenseth said he doesn't have any plays yet for next season, and he'll "tweet something" whenever he makes a decision.

It's hard to imagine a former champion without a ride next season, and if Kenseth wants to race, someone will likely give him a short term deal. But several other veteran drivers are in the same position as Kenseth--including Kurt Busch--as teams are signing younger drivers to long term deals.

Advertisement

(h/t NBC Sports)