Matt Kenseth appeared on Pawn Stars on May 21, 2012, just days after announcing his departure from Roush Fenway Racing. He raced against Rick and Corey Harrison, winning the competition.
What happened on the show?
Kenseth stumbled upon the Harrison duo at an indoor kart racing track, and they decided to race each other. The NASCAR Cup Series driver claimed the No. 17 kart for himself, leaving Rick and Corey to compete with other karts.
The race was clearly staged, but it was entertaining nonetheless. Kenseth's driving skills proved to be too much for the Harrison duo, with Rick finishing second and Corey coming in third.
Why Kenseth isn’t a fan of the current race format
In a 2023 interview with the Scene Vault podcast, Kenseth expressed his dissatisfaction with the current NASCAR race format. He stated that the constant talk of points, stage points, and playoff points consumes the conversation, making the sport less enjoyable.
Kenseth finished seventh in the 2012 season, winning three races. He then moved to Joe Gibbs Racing in 2013, piloting the No. 20 Toyota.
What comes next for Matt Kenseth?
With NASCAR returning to the Chase format for the 2026 season, it will be interesting to see how Kenseth reacts to this change. As a veteran driver, his opinions on the sport carry significant weight, and his thoughts on the current format are certainly noteworthy.
The episode of Pawn Stars featuring Kenseth remains one of the most memorable ones for motorsports fans, showcasing the driver's personality and skills outside of the NASCAR track. Kenseth's comment about using the excuse of a faulty kart every week was particularly amusing, highlighting his lighthearted side.
Kenseth's departure from Roush Fenway Racing in 2012 marked a significant change in his career, and his subsequent move to Joe Gibbs Racing was a major development in the NASCAR world. The driver's thoughts on the current race format, as expressed in the Scene Vault podcast, provide valuable insight into his perspective on the sport.
The NASCAR Cup Series has undergone significant changes since Kenseth's appearance on Pawn Stars, with various format tweaks and rule changes. As the sport continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how drivers like Kenseth adapt and respond to these changes.