Amidst plenty of unknowns for the 2025 NASCAR Cup season, 23XI Racing has some big news to share.
After several months of rumors, the long-awaited third full-time cup car for the Denny Hamlin-Michael Jordan-owned race team has been made official. Riley Herbst has long been discussed as a possible team candidate. As it turns out it was more just a rumor.
NEWS: @rileyherbst is headed to the Cup Series in 2025!
He will drive the No. 35 full time for @23XIRacing. pic.twitter.com/RXngChk9PL
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) November 20, 2024
After proving himself a capable driver the past several years driving for the now-defunct Stewart-Haas Racing in the Xfinity Series. It became obvious, that the Las Vegas native was ready to jump to the Cup Series. The move just makes sense given 23XI‘s relationship with Monster Energy, and Herbst’s longtime association with the brand.
23XI Racing Expands, Riley Herbst Goes Full-Time Cup Racing
Herbst has quickly grown into a very talented driver. Riley showcased his skill in 2024 when he held off Cole Custer and Aric Almirola to win the Xfinity Series race at Indianapolis. He added a second victory in the season finale at Phoenix. He comes to 23XI with eight career cup starts. Not to mention he has made the Daytona 500 before. He has two Cup top 10s to boot.
The team made the news official in a video shared on social media.
Welcome to the family #forwardtogether #teamtoyota pic.twitter.com/wegE9Mw5vY
— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) November 20, 2024
In doing so it was also unveiled that he will pilot the No. 35 Toyota with longtime sponsor Monster Energy. In a statement shared with NASCAR.com, Herbst was appreciative of the opportunity.
” It’s an honor to 23XI and Toyota for the opportunity to race in the Cup Series each week,” Herbst said. ” Racing full-time in the Cup Series has been my goal since I started in NASCAR and I’m excited to start my Cup career with such an accomplished and driven team. What 23XI has accomplished in a short time is impressive and I look forward to building on their success as the organization grows. It’s also great to continue representing Monster and I’m excited about adding to their legacy in NASCAR.”
Herbst has a chance to become a star:
Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick have proven to be great drivers and ambassadors for 23XI Racing. Hence Reddick reached the Championship Four in 2024. Adding Herbst to the team is only going to help them grow. This three-driver lineup will make things interesting for years to come. Wallace and Reddick provide the experience to help Riley Herbst take that next step.
Bad News, Open Cars
The only downside in this news is the big grey cloud hanging over the team. Yes, they will be racing in 2025, but 23XI Racing will have to do so without charters. So all three of their cars will be open cars. The same will be for Front Row Motorsports. Both are in an ongoing lawsuit battle with NASCAR as a whole.
Everyone knows open cars aren’t guaranteed into the season-opening Daytona 500. Plus you never know how many other open cars will be trying to make the race. So, pretty much Bubba, Tyler, and now Riley have to race their way into the 2025 Daytona 500. I’m not saying they won’t all make the show, but you just never know. Especially when Martin Truex Jr is supposed to run the race as well, and you never know what Jimmie Johnson is doing, or who else will show up next February.
It’s going to be a tough start to 2025, but Herbst is resilient and so is his new team.
