Riley Herbst takes shot at Connor Zilisch over his unconventional Thanksgiving meal has stirred notable buzz in the NASCAR community. What started as a simple Thanksgiving tweet from Riley Herbst about his unconventional meal quickly turned into a back-and-forth that caught the attention of fans and fellow drivers alike. This playful yet sharp exchange hints at a bigger rivalry brewing between the two young talents.
Key Highlights
- Riley Herbst’s unconventional Thanksgiving meal sparked a social media exchange with Connor Zilisch, showing their competitive dynamic.
- Zilisch’s response of “Ur weird” emphasized the generational divide between the two NASCAR drivers.
- Herbst humorously noted their age difference, referencing Zilisch’s ineligibility to drink until 21.
- Their social media interaction reflects a growing rivalry that extends beyond the racetrack.
- NASCAR Fans anticipate intensified competition between Herbst and Zilisch in future NASCAR events.
Thanksgiving Tensions Spill Onto Social Media
As tensions simmered during the NASCAR off-season, a seemingly innocuous Thanksgiving exchange between Riley Herbst and Connor Zilisch quickly escalated on social media. The incident began with Herbst, 25, posting a tweet that dismissed traditional Thanksgiving fare, accompanied by an image of his unconventional meal of tacos, drinks, and sauces. This set the stage for a playful yet pointed exchange that revealed underlying competitive dynamics between the two drivers.
Zilisch, 18, responded with a straightforward retort: “Ur weird,” which encapsulated the generational divide and differing cultural references between the two athletes. Herbst, not one to back down, countered with a jab that alluded to their age difference, stating, “Let me know when you’re 21 and can have a beer with me.” This remark not only highlighted the age gap but also hinted at an implicit hierarchy in the NASCAR environment, where experience often translates into social capital.
Let me know when you’re 21 and can have a beer with me https://t.co/NOhhpEyCFB
— Riley Herbst (@rileyherbst) November 28, 2024
The exchange, while seemingly light-hearted, emphasizes the competitive atmosphere that permeates the NASCAR community. Social media has become a platform where drivers can express their personalities and engage in banter, yet it also serves as a battleground for establishing dominance and asserting individual identity.
Racing History and Potential NASCAR Rivalry
The playful banter between Riley Herbst and Connor Zilisch hints at a deeper competitive narrative that has been unfolding on the racetrack. Throughout the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series season, the two drivers have engaged in a head-to-head battle, showcasing their skill at venues such as Watkins Glen, Kansas, Homestead-Miami, and Phoenix Raceway. Each driver has claimed victory in one race, with Herbst and Zilisch finishing ahead of each other in two separate events, further intensifying the rivalry.
The competitive dynamic between them is not merely confined to their on-track performances but extends to their public personas. As Herbst shifts to 23XI Racing in 2025, and Zilisch continues his tenure at JR Motorsports, their paths may separate in the immediate future.
Both drivers have displayed a penchant for pushing each other to the limit, reflecting their desire to establish dominance within the series. This rivalry, marked by mutual respect yet fierce competition, has the potential to evolve into a notable narrative in NASCAR, especially if they cross paths again in future seasons.
As they move forward in their respective careers, the interplay between Herbst and Zilisch will be closely monitored, as their interactions may foreshadow a rivalry that could shape the landscape of NASCAR for years to come.
Connor Zilisch’s Rising NASCAR Career
Bursting onto the NASCAR scene, Connor Zilisch has quickly established himself as a formidable talent. At just 18 years old, he has made notable strides, capturing attention with his impressive performances in both the ARCA Menards Series and the Xfinity Series. Remarkably, Zilisch made headlines during his Xfinity Series debut at Watkins Glen in 2024, where he clinched victory, a feat that not only highlighted his potential but also emphasized his readiness to compete at higher levels.
In the ARCA Menards Series, Zilisch exhibited remarkable consistency, securing five race wins. This success has positioned him as a driver to watch, especially as he shifts to a full-time role in the No. 88 Chevy for JR Motorsports in 2025. The expectations surrounding Zilisch are palpable; his seamless integration into a competitive team suggests that he could further hone his skills and amplify his performance on the track.
As Zilisch continues to evolve, the prospect of a future leap to the NASCAR Cup Series looms enticingly on the horizon. Such a change could set the stage for intensified rivalries, particularly with fellow young talent Riley Herbst.
Riley Herbst’s Fresh Start with 23XI Racing
With renewed resolve, Riley Herbst has initiated a notable chapter in his NASCAR career by joining 23XI Racing, co-owned by the iconic Michael Jordan and veteran driver Denny Hamlin. This move marks a noteworthy step for Herbst, who will pilot the No. 35 Toyota, a nod to Jordan’s rich history with the Scottsdale Scorpions.
Amidst the team’s ongoing legal challenges, Herbst maintains an optimistic outlook, keen to seize the opportunity that this new role presents.
Herbst’s ambition of competing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series has been a driving force since he entered the NASCAR scene. His placement within the 23XI organization, despite the team’s loss of its charter, positions him in the ‘open’ category, which may present its own set of challenges.
However, this environment provides a fertile ground for growth, as Herbst anticipates valuable lessons from seasoned teammates like Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace.
“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.” – Riley Herbst
The shift to 23XI Racing symbolizes more than just a new team; it represents a fresh start for Herbst to refine his skills and improve his competitive edge.
As he sets forth on this expedition, his focus remains steadfast: to develop as a driver and ultimately fulfill his aspiration of racing at the highest level of NASCAR.
News in Brief: Riley Herbst Takes Shot at Connor Zilisch
The Thanksgiving exchange between Riley Herbst and Connor Zilisch reflects the competitive nature inherent in the racing community. This incident not only highlights the potential for rivalry but also emphasizes the role of social media in amplifying conflicts. As both drivers continue to navigate their respective careers, the implications of their interactions may influence NASCAR fan engagement and perceptions within the sport. This episode serves as a reminder of the intersection between personal relationships and professional aspirations in the world of NASCAR.
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