After several years away from NASCAR due to serious medical concerns, Matt Tifft has opened up about the possibility of returning to the sport that once defined his career. The former Cup Series driver, who was forced to step away from full-time racing in 2019 due to health issues, has remained involved in the sport in various capacities. But could he be eyeing a comeback behind the wheel?
Tifft’s Medical Battle and Sudden Exit from Racing
In October 2019, while driving for Front Row Motorsports, Tifft suffered a seizure at Martinsville Speedway, forcing him to sit out the remainder of the season. After further medical evaluation, he made the difficult decision to step away from full-time racing indefinitely.
This wasn’t Tifft’s first health battle—earlier in his career, he underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tumor in 2016. Despite making a successful return to racing after that ordeal, his seizure in 2019 raised new concerns about his long-term well-being and ultimately put his NASCAR driving career on hold.
Tifft on a Potential Return: “Never Say Never”
In a recent interview, Tifft acknowledged that while his primary focus has been on his health and business ventures, he still has a deep passion for racing.
“I’ll never say never. Obviously, my health comes first, but I still love this sport, and if the right situation came along, it’s something I’d think about.”
Since stepping away from racing, Tifft has remained involved in NASCAR as a team owner, co-owning Live Fast Motorsports in the Cup Series before selling his stake in late 2023.
What Would a Comeback Look Like?
If Tifft were to return, it would likely be in a limited capacity—perhaps an Xfinity Series or Truck Series start, rather than a full-time Cup campaign. Medical clearance would be the biggest hurdle, but with advances in treatment and management, a return to competition isn’t out of the question.
Fans and the NASCAR Community Rally Behind Him
Tifft’s story has been one of perseverance, and the NASCAR community has shown strong support throughout his journey. Whether or not he ever gets back behind the wheel, his resilience and determination have already made a lasting impact on the sport.
For now, fans will have to wait and see—but as Matt Tifft himself says, “never say never.”
