Riley Herbst, making his highly anticipated debut with 23XI Racing for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, has spent the first ten races acclimating to the fierce competition of stock car racing’s top level. The young driver faces a whirlwind of new experiences as he prepares for the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway, his journey marked by relentless learning, adjustment, and determination to achieve growth and success with his new team.
Herbst has been outspoken about his appreciation for 23XI Racing, praising the organization for exceeding every expectation he had going into the season.
Herbst shared in a forthright interview, emphasizing what he calls the ‘invaluable’ opportunity to race for such a high-profile organization. His gratitude for the strong foundation at 23XI Racing is clear, fueling his motivation to maximize every learning moment on the track.
Within the team, Riley Herbst thrives on the mentorship and camaraderie provided by his experienced Cup teammates, Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick. He describes a powerful, collaborative spirit among the drivers, noting,
This open exchange has become a cornerstone of Herbst’s approach as he confronts the notorious learning curve of the Cup Series.
Currently sitting 33rd in points after the first ten races, Herbst remains steadfastly optimistic. He candidly acknowledges the steep competition, constantly fighting for every inch on track, and admits,
With each race, he looks to extract valuable lessons, focusing on maximizing his performance for both himself and the team. The competitive environment compels him to pay meticulous attention to every detail, seeking out every opportunity to gain an edge.
Riley Herbst compares his experience in the Cup Series to being thrown into the deep end and learning to swim under pressure. He credits his ongoing development to the support of his team and guidance from figures like Denny Hamlin.
Herbst reflected, reinforcing his mindset of constant improvement and adaptation.
Looking toward the rest of the season, Herbst’s primary objective is to gain experience by completing races and absorbing every ounce of knowledge possible. He repeatedly references the advice of veteran Kevin Harvick, who stresses the importance of finishing races as a means to build skill and understanding within NASCAR. Herbst’s goals are ambitious: win Rookie of the Year honors and earn consistent top-10 finishes, all while embracing the inevitable growing pains of his first year in the Cup Series.
Despite the challenges, Riley Herbst’s admirable perseverance and upbeat outlook set a positive example for aspiring racers. His journey with 23XI Racing underscores the value of grit and tenacity in a sport that demands both. As the season unfolds, fans and competitors alike will watch closely, eager to see how Herbst’s passion and hard work will shape the next chapter in his promising NASCAR career.
