18-year-old driver Matt Gould will be making his return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with Niece Motorsports in Martinsville.
Racing runs in the family; Phil Gould, Matt’s father, is not only a former racer but also serves as the esteemed crew chief for the No. 45 team at Niece Motorsports. This familial legacy has undoubtedly influenced Matt’s journey into professional racing, establishing a foundation upon which he can build his driving career.
Gould’s early ventures in racing began with competitions in Outlaw Karts on dirt tracks, where he amassed over 80 feature race victories at Millbridge Speedway. He then transitioned onto asphalt, displaying his performance by bagging his first Late Model Stock Car win at Orange County Speedway in 2021, followed by additional victories at Florence Motor Speedway and Hickory Motor Speedway.
In 2022, Gould made a significant mark by debuting in the ARCA Menards Series at just 16 years old. His performance at the Milwaukee Mile and later at Toledo Speedway made heads turn, as he achieved top-10 finishes in both races. Despite facing challenges such as technical issues at Bristol Motor Speedway, Matt continued to demonstrate his potential.
Christian Eckes, driver of the #19 NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet, and Daniel Dye, driver of the #43 NAPA Nightvision Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Love’s RV Stop 225 at Talladega Superspeedway on… Christian Eckes, driver of the #19 NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet, and Daniel Dye, driver of the #43 NAPA Nightvision Chevrolet, race during the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Love’s RV Stop 225 at Talladega Superspeedway on October 04, 2024 in Talladega, Alabama. Matt Gould is set to return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in Martinsville. More Sean Gardner/Getty Images
Gould’s history with Niece Motorsports is deeper than simply being a driver. During his high school years, he honed his technical skills as a mechanic at the team’s shop. After graduating high school, he joined Niece Motorsports full-time, contributing significantly to the road crew and working in various mechanical roles.
Confirming that Gould would be making a return to the No. 44 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet Silverado at Martinsville, the team posted to social media: