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Matt DiBenedetto not returning to BK Racing in 2017

NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AAA Texas 500 - Practice

FORT WORTH, TX - NOVEMBER 05: Matt DiBenedetto, driver of the #83 ZAK Backs the Blue Toyota, climbs into his car during practice for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway on November 5, 2016 in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)

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After 68 starts in NASCAR’s premier series with the team, Matt DiBenedetto announced on Twitter Thursday night he will not be returning to BK Racing in 2017.

DiBenedetto, 25, said he’s “decided to go in a different direction” next season and that he has “exciting announcements coming soon.”

All of DiBenedetto’s starts in the premier series were with BK Racing, where he has earned one top-10 finish. That came in the spring race at Bristol Motor Speedway this season.

DiBenedetto finished this season 35th in points and with an average finish of 30th.

“Our 33rd and (35th)-place finishes this year did not produce the results we were hoping to achieve,” said team owner Ron Devine in a statement. “I am, however, very proud of Matt DiBenedetto and his many accomplishments over the past two years. He is a wonderful driver and a special person. I am confident that Matt will go on to be a very successful NASCAR driver, and I believe it is the right time to release him so that he can pursue other opportunities. Myself and everyone at BK Racing wishes Matt all the best in his future endeavors. I am looking forward to much success for both Matt and BK Racing.”

Outside his surprise finish at Bristol, DiBenedetto made headlines at Texas Motor Speedway in November when he missed the premier series race over concussion concerns.

The native of Grass Valley, California, also made 19 starts in the Xfinity Series this season for TriStar Motorsports.

Follow @DanielMcFadin