Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing Expands with Rookie Riley Herbst for 2025 Season
Michael Jordan’s NASCAR team, 23XI Racing, is expanding. After starting in 2021 and adding a second car in 2022, they will introduce a third driver for the 2025 season.
Riley Herbst will drive the new No. 35 Toyota, with support from Monster Energy. He joins teammates Bubba Wallace from the No. 23 and Tyler Reddick from the No. 45.
Herbst has spent five seasons in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, winning three races. He won his most recent race in Phoenix earlier this month.
“It’s an honor to join 23XI and Toyota,” Herbst said. He expressed excitement about starting his Cup career with a successful team and looks forward to building on their achievements. Herbst is also pleased to continue representing Monster Energy.
How could the antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR impact 23XI Racing’s future in the sport?
Interview with NASCAR Specialist on 23XI Racing’s Expansion and Challenges Ahead
Date: October 25, 2023
Interviewer: [Your Name]
Interviewee: [Expert’s Name], NASCAR Analyst
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us today to discuss the expansion of 23XI Racing. Michael Jordan’s team is set to introduce a third driver, Riley Herbst, for the 2025 season. What are your initial thoughts on this decision?
Expert: It’s a significant step for 23XI Racing, and it shows their commitment to growth and competitiveness in NASCAR. Bringing in someone like Riley Herbst, who has a proven track record in the Xfinity Series with three wins, adds depth to their lineup. The support from Monster Energy also indicates strong backing which can play a crucial role in a team’s success.
Interviewer: Herbst will be driving the new No. 35 Toyota, alongside Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick. How do you see this trio performing in the upcoming season?
Expert: The combination of these three drivers has the potential to be quite formidable. Wallace has a wealth of experience, and Reddick recently demonstrated his prowess by winning the regular season championship in 2024. If Herbst can leverage the knowledge and skills of his teammates, we might see them contend for more races and possibly podium finishes.
Interviewer: Despite the excitement surrounding the new driver, 23XI Racing is facing significant challenges, particularly related to NASCAR’s charter agreement for 2025. Can you explain the implications of not signing this agreement?
Expert: Not signing the charter agreement is a big deal. It affects their ability to secure guaranteed starting spots in races, meaning they could miss out on some events, which can hinder their overall performance in the season. Additionally, the reduced prize money can impact their budget for development and operations, which is crucial for competing effectively.
Interviewer: The team has also filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR. How might this legal action affect their operations moving forward?
Expert: The ongoing lawsuit introduces a layer of uncertainty. While they are allowed to race as an “open” team, the litigation could distract them from focusing on the races. If 23XI Racing can manage the pressures of this lawsuit while developing their cars and strategies, they may mitigate some of the potential negative impacts, but it’s definitely a scenario worth watching.
Interviewer: With the Daytona 500 approaching in February, what should fans expect from 23XI Racing’s three-driver lineup?
Expert: Fans can expect a competitive showing at Daytona. The team has grown steadily, and each driver brings unique strengths to the table. Wallace’s experience, Reddick’s recent success, and Herbst’s fresh energy could lead to a solid performance on one of NASCAR’s biggest stages. However, they will need to navigate the early challenges of the season carefully, especially without that charter guarantee.
Interviewer: Thank you for sharing your insights on 23XI Racing and the upcoming season. It sounds like we’re in for an intriguing year in NASCAR!
Expert: My pleasure! It’s definitely going to be a fascinating season, and I’m looking forward to seeing how it all unfolds.
23XI Racing, co-owned by Jordan and Denny Hamlin, has won eight races in four seasons. Reddick won the regular season championship in 2024 and reached the Championship 4, finishing fourth.
However, the team faces challenges. They did not sign NASCAR’s charter agreement for 2025 and filed an antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR and CEO Jim France in September. The case is ongoing, but NASCAR will allow 23XI and Front Row Motorsports to race as “open” teams in 2025. This means they will not have guaranteed spots in every race and will receive less prize money.
Despite these issues, 23XI Racing continues to grow. All three drivers will compete in February at the Daytona 500.