Riley Herbst Joins 23XI Racing for Full-Time NASCAR Cup Series Role in 2025
23XI Racing announced that Riley Herbst will compete full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series starting in 2025. He will drive the No. 35 Toyota. This number is inspired by his teammates Bubba Wallace’s No. 23 and Tyler Reddick’s No. 45, which both honor Michael Jordan’s basketball career.
Herbst has three victories in 165 Xfinity Series races. He has achieved 34 top-five finishes and 82 top-10 finishes in five seasons.
Interview with NASCAR Specialist John Mitchell on Riley Herbst’s Full-Time Move to 23XI Racing
News Directory 3: Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with John Mitchell, a renowned NASCAR analyst, to discuss Riley Herbst’s upcoming full-time participation in the NASCAR Cup Series with 23XI Racing. John, thank you for joining us.
John Mitchell: Thank you for having me!
News Directory 3: Riley Herbst has officially announced that he will drive the No. 35 Toyota for 23XI Racing starting in 2025. What are your initial thoughts on this move?
John Mitchell: It’s an exciting development for both Riley and 23XI Racing. Having a young talent like Herbst join the team adds depth and potential. He has proven himself in the Xfinity Series, and making the jump to the Cup Series is a significant step that many drivers aspire to achieve.
News Directory 3: How do you think the No. 35 number honors the legacy of Michael Jordan, considering it’s inspired by the numbers of his teammates Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick?
John Mitchell: The No. 35 is a thoughtful nod to the team’s heritage. Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick’s numbers, 23 and 45, respectively, pay homage to Michael Jordan’s iconic basketball career. This connection reinforces the bond between the drivers and the brand that Jordan represents. It’s all about creating a strong narrative and lineage within the team, and the No. 35 fits perfectly into that story.
News Directory 3: Herbst has secured three wins in 165 Xfinity Series starts and has had multiple top-five and top-10 finishes. What does his record suggest about his readiness for the Cup Series?
John Mitchell: His resume indicates that he’s not just had a few good races; he has consistently performed well amidst fierce competition. Winning three times and achieving 34 top-five and 82 top-10 finishes point to his talent and ability to be competitive. Transitioning to the Cup Series is challenging, but he has the experience that suggests he can adapt and potentially excel.
News Directory 3: In his statement, Herbst emphasized his honor in joining 23XI and Toyota and his goal of racing full-time. How crucial is this opportunity for him and the team’s future?
John Mitchell: This is a pivotal moment not just for Riley but for 23XI Racing as well. For Herbst, this role represents the culmination of years of hard work and aspirations. For the team, bringing in a driver like him aligns perfectly with their vision for growth and success. If he can contribute positively to 23XI, it could lead to building a formidable presence in the Cup Series.
News Directory 3: Lastly, what should fans expect from Herbst in his debut season with 23XI Racing?
John Mitchell: Fans should look forward to an entertaining and dynamic season. Herbst’s youth and determination can lead to exciting performances on the track. It’s also vital for him to understand the nuances of the Cup Series, particularly in terms of strategy and interactions with other drivers. If he can find that balance, we could see him making a name for himself sooner rather than later.
News Directory 3: Thank you, John, for your insights on Riley Herbst’s future with 23XI Racing. We look forward to seeing how his story unfolds in the coming years.
John Mitchell: Thank you! It’s going to be an exciting time for NASCAR, and I can’t wait to see how everything plays out.
In a statement, Herbst expressed his honor in joining 23XI and Toyota. He stated that racing full-time in the Cup Series has been his goal. He looks forward to contributing to 23XI’s success and representing Monster in NASCAR.