Matthew Kenseth is a former professional stock car racing driver. Kenseth started racing on several short tracks in Wisconsin and won track championships at Madison International Speedway, Slinger Super Speedway and Wisconsin International Raceway.

He moved to the ARTGO, American Speed Association, and Hooters Late Model touring series before getting a full-time ride in the NASCAR Busch Series (now Xfinity Series) for his former Wisconsin short track rival Robbie Reiser, finishing second and third in the standings. Kenseth moved up in the NASCAR Winston Cup Series. He won the series' Rookie of the Year title in 2000 and the championship in 2003. The International Race of Champions invited Kenseth to race in their 2004 season as the reigning champion and he won the season championship. In 2009, he won a rain-shortened Daytona 500 and repeated as Daytona 500 winner in 2012. He last competed full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 42 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE for Chip Ganassi Racing.

He is the father of Ross Kenseth. Kenseth is a fan of the metal band Metallica, and named his cat after drummer Lars Ulrich. He is also a fan of his home state Green Bay Packers.