MEET MATT...
Birthdate: February 19, 1970
Residence: Uncasville, CT
Marital Status: Wife, Lori
Children: Vanessa (6/17/98)
Kyle (5/24/00)
Sabrina (9/30/02)
Matt Kobyluck began a successful racing career in 1993 driving in the popular Late Model division at Waterford Speedbowl. There, he posted numerous wins, top-five, and top-10 finishes – proving his ability to maneuver around the tight confines of a 3/8th’s mile bullring. His ease behind the wheel caught the attention of fellow competitors, and before long, was asked to add to his already demanding schedule by piloting a car in the Modified division. His continued success left Kobyluck looking for new challenges.
In 1997, Matt moved on to Stafford Motor Speedway’s Pro Stock division. The demanding half-mile track proved to be the challenge Kobyluck needed as he
looked forward to NASCAR’s premier regional series – the Busch East Series. A racing accident in 1998 put those plans on hold.
Kobyluck was en route to an impressive top-three Pro Stock finish at Stafford when everything went black – literally. An accident on the last turn of the last lap caused such extensive injuries that Kobyluck feels it was the closest brush to death he’s ever had.
The drama began when the white flag flew. Kobyluck set up a pass on his fellow competitor in turn one. Exiting turn two, Kobyluck drove by for second and his challenger retaliated in turn three.
“When we got in turn three he dove in way too deep and hit me in the left rear,” Kobyluck explained. “I went way up the track and came very close to hitting the wall, but I kept it off and I was able to recover. As I came around to turn four, I came down the racetrack, and he hit me again. The car turned right around, and unfortunately, I didn’t miss this time. The car went right into the wall on the driver’s side.”
Kobyluck was knocked unconscious, and doesn’t remember anything for six hours after the wreck. Safety crews removed him from the car and transported the Uncasville, CT-native to a local hospital by ambulance, but his injuries were so severe that they airlifted him to Hartford (CT) Hospital. During the helicopter ride, Kobyluck stopped breathing.
“My lung was punctured and I was drowning in my own fluid,” Kobyluck explained. “I remembered hitting the wall, and although I don’t remember much until I woke up in the emergency room, I do remember bits and
Kobyluck returned to the wheel following his accident in the Busch North Series. (Ken Spring photo)
pieces from things that transpired in that six hours – like when they put that tube in.”
Kobyluck spent the next two weeks in a hospital bed recovering from a punctured lung, broken collarbone, broken ribs, and a knee injury. He also chipped every tooth in his mouth. After being released, Kobyluck spent three months in physical therapy gaining strength in the muscles and tendons in his leg.
“At that time, I felt I had the best safety equipment available. I had head restraints, rib restraints, and I had a brand new helmet. I felt I was behind the wheel of a racecar that was the safest it could be.”
Kobyluck went right back to racing as soon as he was cleared from his doctor. Incidentally, his very next race was his first-ever attempt at a Busch East Series race.
He’s also ventured into the Busch Series at New Hampshire International Speedway and various West Series races. His easy-going, charismatic personality lends to his popularity among the fans, media, and fellow competitors.
“Everybody thought I was kind of crazy to get back behind the wheel like I did,” reflected Kobyluck. “Having been through that, I think it has made me a smarter driver. I’m a little more aware of what is going on. I don’t think you can ever be cautious in a racecar, but I’m definitely smarter.”
By August of that year, however, Kobyluck’s determination and strength enabled him to pursue his dream, and the Mohegan Sun Casino Chevrolet made its Busch East Series debut at New Hampshire Int’l Speedway.
Since then, Kobyluck has made more than 120career starts in the Busch East Series with eight wins, 35 top-five, and 56 top-10 finishes.
Matt's family has always been important to him.
