On December 12, 2008, the Mohegan Tribe made history when Matt Kobyluck was crowned the first Native American to win a NASCAR Series Championship. It was a heartwarming experience witnessing Champion Matt, a member of the Mohegan Tribe, accepting the coveted NASCAR trophy for the 2008 NASCAR Camping World Series East Champion. Feelings of pride enveloped the Mohegan Convention Center, not only for Champ Matt, but also for his entire Mohegan Family and circle of friends. These good feelings were contagious.
Mohegan Tribal Chairman Bruce “Two Dogs” Bozsum spoke of the “Tribe’s core value of giving back to our communities.” “Congratulations Matt, you are the first Native American in history to win a NASCAR Series Championship.” “You started at Waterford Speedbowl and now, you’re here. It’s always good when Native sons rise and achieve such honor.”
Matt Kobyluck accomplished plenty during his first nine full seasons racing in the NASCAR Camping World Series East. He posted wins on short tracks, speedways, and road courses; won at all three NASCAR-sanctioned tracks in his home state of Connecticut; and had at least one win in six of the past seven seasons. What he was able to do in year ten, topped all of that.
