Matt Tifft out indefinitely after discovery of brain tumor

Matt Tifft (R) at Talladega earlier this year.

Matt Tifft, who has made starts in the Xfinity Series and Camping World Truck Series, is sidelined indefinitely after doctors discovered a brain tumor.

Joe Gibbs Racing, where the 20-year-old is a development driver, said the “low-grade glioma” was found while Tifft was undergoing treatment for a back injury. The JGR release said the tumor was slow-growing and Tifft will undergo surgery. He is expected to return to the driver’s seat when he’s done with rehabilitation and cleared by doctors to race again.

A disc issue meant Tifft was forced to sit out the Xfinity Series race at Iowa on June 19, won by Sam Hornish Jr, who was driving the No. 18 car that Tifft was scheduled to drive.

According to the American Brain Tumor Association, a glioma is a term “used to describe any tumor that arises from the supportive (“gluey”) tissue of the brain. This tissue, called “glia,” helps to keep the neurons in place and functioning well.”

Tifft has made seven career Xfinity Series starts and has three top-10 finishes. He finished eighth at Talladega and Dover this season. He’s also competed in 18 Camping World Truck Series races and finished fifth at Charlotte for Red Horse Racing earlier this year.

JGR said David Ragan will take Tifft’s place in the No. 18 car at Daytona on Friday night.