Riley Herbst Moves to 23XI: In NASCAR, where fortunes can change with the drop of a green flag, the latest rumor making waves is that Riley Herbst might be joining 23XI Racing. This potential move has ignited a fierce debate among fans and insiders, with opinions as divided as the finish at Daytona. Herbst, whose Xfinity Series career has been middling at best, is being considered for a third seat at the high-profile team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. Meanwhile, Cory Heim, a promising young talent, is also in the running. As the rumor mill churns, the NASCAR community is left to grapple with what this potential shift says about the future of the sport.
Rumor Details
In NASCAR, the latest rumor surrounding Riley Herbst potentially joining 23XI Racing has set the garage abuzz. If true, this move would signify a seismic shift in the team’s strategy. The speculation, which gained momentum from The Daily Downforce and Lee Spencer’s comments on Performance Racing Network (PRN), suggests that Herbst is being considered for a third seat at the high-profile team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. Cory Heim is also reportedly in the running for the same position, adding intrigue to this unfolding story.
The mere mention of Herbst as a candidate has raised eyebrows across the NASCAR community. 23XI Racing has been making waves with its aggressive pursuit of top-tier talent, most notably with their acquisition of Tyler Reddick. Bringing in Herbst, who has had a middling Xfinity Series career, seems like a radical departure from their previous strategy. Herbst’s inclusion raises eyebrows because, let’s face it, his performance stats don’t exactly scream “Cup Series material.” This move appears to be less about talent and more about the hefty financial backing Herbst brings, thanks to his family’s Terrible’s convenience store chain and their connection with Monster Energy.
The potential deal has fans and insiders scratching their heads. While it’s not uncommon for teams to consider financial benefits, 23XI Racing has positioned itself as a team striving for excellence and competitiveness. The idea of adding a driver like Herbst, primarily for his monetary contributions, could tarnish this image. Are they prioritizing cash flow over checkered flags? It sure looks that way from the outside.
Of course, in NASCAR, money talks. The recent reports show just how crucial financial backing is in this sport. Estepp pointed out, “Every race team needs money, and Riley Herbst certainly comes with some money.” This financial reality is undeniable, but the optics of choosing Herbst over a potentially more talented driver like Cory Heim could lead to long-term repercussions for 23XI Racing’s credibility.
Performance Concerns
Eric Estepp’s analysis leaves no room for ambiguity when it comes to Riley Herbst’s readiness for full-time Cup Series racing. “Let’s be real, he’s 25 years old and has been in top Xfinity Series equipment for nearly five straight years now,” Estepp stated, emphasizing the significant opportunities Herbst has had to prove himself. Despite these opportunities, Herbst’s performance has been lackluster, with only one win to his name. This performance, or lack thereof, is a critical point of contention for those skeptical of his potential move to the Cup Series.
Estepp’s concerns are rooted in comparative performance metrics. Herbst’s teammates have often outperformed him, securing wins and higher finishes consistently. Estepp pointed out, “He has all but one win to show for it,” a stark reminder of Herbst’s struggles to capitalize on his opportunities. This discrepancy is particularly glaring in a sport where individual performances are meticulously scrutinized and compared.
Furthermore, Herbst’s best points finish in the Xfinity Series is 10th, which is hardly a ringing endorsement for a driver aspiring to move up to the Cup Series. Estepp’s critique highlights a broader issue: the expectation that drivers in top-tier equipment should deliver top-tier results. “Riley Herbst’s best points finish in the Xfinity Series is 10th. That’s it,” Estepp remarked, showing the gap between expectation and reality.
Estepp also noted the context of Herbst’s performance within the competitive landscape of the Xfinity Series. While some might argue that equipment failures and other external factors have played a role in Herbst’s results, Estepp contends that a truly elite driver would have found ways to overcome these obstacles. “He shouldn’t have been in that position to begin with,” Estepp asserted, suggesting that Herbst’s overall performance is indicative of his limitations as a driver.
Financial Considerations
The financial aspect of Riley Herbst’s potential move to 23XI Racing is a crucial factor that cannot be overlooked. Herbst comes with significant financial backing, primarily through his family’s ownership of the Terrible’s convenience store chain. This financial support, coupled with a long-standing relationship with Monster Energy, makes Herbst an attractive candidate from a funding perspective. “Every race team needs money, and Riley Herbst certainly comes with some money,” Estepp noted, highlighting the financial allure Herbst presents to any team.
Monster Energy’s existing sponsorship at 23XI Racing, particularly with Tyler Reddick, adds to the financial equation. The potential synergy between Herbst’s sponsorship connections and the team’s current sponsors could provide a substantial financial boost. Estepp pointed out, “Monster Energy sponsors Tyler Reddick already at 23XI, so there’s a marriage there.” This financial backing could help alleviate some of the significant expenses the team faces, such as the recent opening of their state-of-the-art AIR SPEED facility.
Estepp acknowledges that financial considerations are a reality for all racing teams. The costs associated with running a competitive NASCAR team are immense, and securing additional funding is always a priority. “They need a third charter, that’s probably at least $20 million,” Estepp mentioned, showing the substantial financial commitments involved. Herbst’s financial backing could help cover these costs, making him an appealing option despite performance concerns.
However, the reliance on financial backing raises important questions about the team’s priorities. Estepp contrasts this potential move with 23XI Racing’s previous strategy of acquiring top talent. The team’s decision to buy out Tyler Reddick’s contract from Richard Childress Racing was a bold move driven by a desire to secure one of the best young drivers in the sport. In contrast, considering Herbst primarily for his financial contributions might suggest a shift in the team’s strategy towards prioritizing financial stability over competitive excellence.
This potential shift in strategy could have long-term implications for the team’s reputation and performance. While financial backing is essential, it should ideally complement, not replace, the pursuit of top-tier driving talent. Estepp’s critique reflects a broader concern within the NASCAR community about the balance between financial considerations and competitive priorities. “I understand they just opened up AIR SPEED, which cost a lot of money,” Estepp remarked, acknowledging the financial pressures but also questioning whether this should dictate the team’s driver selection.
Opinions and Speculations
On one hand, the team’s consideration of Herbst could be seen as a pragmatic decision in a sport where financial backing is crucial. On the other hand, it raises questions about whether 23XI Racing is compromising its competitive edge. Estepp’s blunt assessment, “I don’t think he’s good enough for full-time Cup Series racing,” represents the skepticism shared by many fans and analysts.
The aggressive pursuit of Tyler Reddick, widely regarded as one of the top young talents, was a move that signaled the team’s commitment to excellence. In contrast, the potential recruitment of Herbst, seen as a driver with more financial backing than wins, could be interpreted as a departure from this philosophy. Estepp’s remark, “Riley Herbst’s best points finish in the Xfinity Series is 10th,” serves as a reminder of the performance gap that critics like Gluck would highlight.
The discussion around Cory Heim further complicates the narrative. Heim, though younger and potentially less financially backed, is seen by many as having a higher ceiling in terms of talent. Estepp’s assertion, “Cory Heim may not come with as much funding, but I think he is a significantly more Cup Series ready talent.” speaks to the dilemma faced by 23XI Racing. The team must weigh the immediate financial benefits of Herbst against the potential long-term gains of nurturing a more promising driver like Heim.
23XI Racing has positioned itself as a forward-thinking, competitive team willing to make bold moves to achieve success. The consideration of Herbst, primarily for his financial backing, could be seen as a deviation from this image. Estepp’s critique, “That’s not Cup Series material,” would resonate with fans who expect 23XI Racing to maintain high standards in their driver selection.
While securing funding is essential, it should not come at the expense of the team’s competitive edge. Estepp’s analysis reflects a broader debate within NASCAR about how teams balance these often conflicting priorities. “Every race team needs money, but at what cost?” Estepp’s rhetorical question represents the core of this controversy, highlighting the difficult decisions teams like 23XI Racing must navigate.
Fan Reactions
The rumor of Riley Herbst potentially joining 23XI Racing has ignited a firestorm of controversy among NASCAR fans, with opinions flying faster than cars at Talladega. Many fans are outright disgusted at the idea, seeing it as a blatant cash grab rather than a merit-based decision. One fan didn’t mince words, declaring, “If Herbst goes to 23XI, it will be because of sponsorship and the fact that his dad could buy part of an available charter. This will be a money-driven decision with no expectation of success. I like Riley but feel this shouldn’t happen.” This sentiment echoes a widespread disdain for what is perceived as the commercialization of NASCAR at the expense of competitive integrity.
Adding fuel to the fire are comparisons to NASCAR legend Jimmie Johnson, which have left many fans rolling their eyes. One particularly bold fan argued, “You say Riley Herbst isn’t ready for Cup looking at his Xfinity Series resume, but he could be the ‘next’ Jimmie Johnson. Sucks in Xfinity, might be incredible in Cup.” The sheer audacity of comparing Herbst to Johnson—a seven-time Cup Series champion—has stirred a hornet’s nest of backlash. Critics argue that this comparison is not just a stretch but an insult to Johnson’s legacy, highlighting the desperation of Herbst’s supporters to find any glimmer of hope.
Some fans tried to strike a more balanced tone but still faced skepticism. One fan said, “I completely understand your point about Riley Herbst going to Cup; 1 win in Xfinity, etc… But remember this: Jimmie Johnson was crap before going to Cup with Hendrick and look what happened… I’m pretty sure Herbst will never come close to Johnson’s career, but he could win races with good equipment in Cup even though he hasn’t done great in Xfinity.” This tempered optimism has done little to quell the fury of fans who see Herbst’s potential move as a betrayal of NASCAR’s competitive spirit, arguing that one win in five years doesn’t justify a promotion to the sport’s top tier.
The performance argument is a major sticking point, with some fans completely dismissing Herbst’s potential. One fan was blunt: “I wouldn’t hire Herbst. But would hire Heim.” This stark preference for Cory Heim shows a belief that real talent should take precedence over financial backing. Fans supporting Heim argue that he has shown more promise and potential, making him a more deserving candidate for the coveted Cup Series seat. This opinion reflects a broader frustration with the notion that money can buy opportunities that should be earned through performance.
News in Brief: Riley Herbst Moves to 23XI
As the NASCAR world watches closely, the controversy surrounding Riley Herbst’s rumored move to 23XI Racing serves as a test for the sport’s evolving dynamics. Will financial backing continue to trump performance, or will talent ultimately prevail? The fans’ passionate reactions reflect deeper concerns about the direction NASCAR is heading.
Whether Herbst can defy the odds and succeed in the Cup Series or if 23XI Racing will regret prioritizing sponsorship dollars over proven talent remains to be seen. One thing is certain: this debate is far from over, and its outcome could significantly shape the future landscape of NASCAR.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Who is Riley Herbst driving for?
A. Riley Herbst, the driver of the No. 98 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford in the Xfinity Series, shares his thoughts on why the upcoming races could be pivotal for his future.
Q. Who drives the 98 car?
A. Riley Herbst pilots the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
ALSO READ: Riley Herbst Rumored for 23XI Cup Car After Stewart’s Exit
