Matt Tifft to make NASCAR return at Chicagoland following brain surgery

The promising 20-year old Hinckley, OH native has been out since June after an emergency procedure.

Red Horse Racing announced today that Matt Tifft will be returning to the Camping World Truck Series when it moves to Chicagoland Speedway this weekend. He will be behind the wheel of the No. 11 BrainGear/Surface Sunscreen Toyota Tundra for the American Ethanol E15 225 Friday night.

Tifft has been out since June following surgery for removal of a low-grade glioma in the brain after just three starts including a solid fifth place finish at Charlotte in the North Carolina Education Lottery 200 on May 21. It was his last truck outing before this weekend.

“I’m excited to get back behind the wheel,” said Tifft. “I’ve really missed being at the track, so I’m very happy to be back and able to race the No. 11 Tundra with BrainGear and Surface Sunscreen on board.”

Tifft has one previous CWTS start at Chicagoland finishing ninth a year ago.

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“We’re really glad to have Matt back in the No. 11, but more importantly we’re glad that he’s healthy,” said team owner Tom DeLoach. “We’re looking forward to finishing out the season strong with him back in action.”

The 20-year-old had received a 13-race commitment from Joe Gibbs Racing to compete in the Xfinity Series driving the No. 18 cars after three in the No. 24 for Gregg Mixon which included the season opener at Daytona. He won the pole at Talladega on April 30 finishing eighth. He also had an eighth place finish the following race at Dover.

Tifft was upbeat throughout his recover and it began when he tweeted a picture of his head just hours after the surgery and a one-minute video the following morning.

Tifft’s surgery was considered a success at the time and his return after missing just ten weeks was sealed after he live tested at Hickory Motor Speedway in North Carolina after using a simulator at home.