Matt Kobyluck: First in Class, On and Off the Track

Matt Kobyluck, driver of the Mohegan Sun Resort's Chevrolet No. 40 in NASCAR's Camping World East series, has experienced a series of "firsts" this past year. After many years of trying, he finally won the Camping World East series championship.

While claiming the trophy with wife Lori, Matt remarked that this has been a "dream season" for him and one that has been a long time coming for his team. While he thought winning races was great, winning his first championship has been more wonderful, as this achievement lasts forever.

Kobyluck also achieved another significant first in NASCAR history. He is the first Native American, the Mohegan tribe, to claim the top prize in any of NASCAR's series, including the Truck, Nationwide and Cup series.

In what must have been one of the most special "firsts" for Kobyluck, he became the first champion to be crowned in his sponsor's venue. The Mohegan Sun Resort in Connecticut has traditionally been home to the Camping World East series banquet. 

But celebrating the native son in his sponsor's and his home venue must have added a sense of sweet victory for Kobyluck and his team.

The final "first" for Matt Kobyluck actually happened off the race track.  In addition to his successful racing career, Matt is also full-time President of his own construction, ready mix concrete, quarry and trucking companies.

And in the capacity as President of Kobyluck, Inc., Matt decided to reach out and help others, donating his time and resources to a family in need of a new home.

Kobyluck participated in the television show Extreme Makeover: Home Addition. He learned about a family, the Girard family, in his home state of Connecticut who had lost their home to fire.

This family had suffered other great tragedies. 

The father had drowned in Connecticut's Green Falls Pond and one of the sons had died while trying to save him.

The family was forced into bankruptcy by these tragedies and was first living in a tent and then a donated trailer in their yard. Kobyluck and his family heard about this family and volunteered to assist.

He and his crew demolished their old, burned out home, paving the way for the building of a new one. The Girard family's new home will be featured on Extreme Makeover:  Home Addition in February.

While Kobyluck has experienced a series of "firsts" this past season, there are surely more "firsts" to come in 2009.  One lurking right around the corner is Kobyluck’s goal of running first in the upcoming Toyota All-Star Showdown in Irwindale, California, in just a few weeks.

When Kobyluck takes the track for the first time this year, all the "firsts" of last year will be behind him.  And knowing him, he will be ready for what's to come in the New Year and the upcoming 2009 Camping World East season.

Photo Caption and Credit:  Lori and Matt Kobyluck claim Camping World East Championship Trophy.  Photographer:  Kate Claffie, EastSeries.com