Riley Herbst NASCAR criticism became a heated topic when Jimmy Spencer, a well-known NASCAR Cup Series veteran and two-time Whelen Modified Tour champion, directed his ire at the young driver during a candid discussion on Door Bumper Clear. In the latest episode of the Dirty Mo Media podcast, recorded earlier this week, Spencer did not hold back, questioning Herbst’s skills and future in the sport while referencing the complicated landscape for upcoming NASCAR talent.
Jimmy Spencer, often called “Mr. Excitement” for his brash and outspoken personality, spent nearly two decades in NASCAR’s top division, where his colorful commentary and bold remarks made him a favorite among fans and media alike. His track record includes two top-division wins and 15 Whelen Modified Tour victories, earning him a place among the series’ best drivers. Despite having a modest win record in the Cup Series, Spencer’s presence as an analyst on Speed TV and other platforms cemented his legacy as one of the sport’s most memorable personalities.
The invitation to Door Bumper Clear, an uncensored racing podcast, seemed fitting, given Spencer’s reputation for speaking his mind. During his guest appearance, he engaged in a spirited debate about the challenge grassroots drivers face in climbing to NASCAR’s top levels, inevitably turning the conversation toward 23XI Racing rookie Riley Herbst.
“Who’s that Riley Herbst? That poor son bitch can’t drive nothin.”
— Jimmy Spencer, NASCAR Cup Series veteran
Spencer’s blunt remarks quickly spread through the online NASCAR fan community, fueling fresh debate about Herbst’s performance and place in the sport. He didn’t stop there. As the discussion continued, Spencer used the financial barrier in racing as context, specifically mentioning fellow Modified Tour legend Ryan Preece as an example of the uphill struggle many skilled drivers face if they lack sponsorship support.
“In today’s world, if you don’t have a tremendous amount of money or a father that’s got a tremendous amount of money, you can’t make it.”
— Jimmy Spencer, NASCAR Cup Series veteran
Spencer pointed out that Ryan Preece, despite a standout career in the Modified Tour with 15 wins by age 25, didn’t land a full-time Cup Series opportunity until he was 28. Preece’s delayed entry, according to Spencer, reflects the financial realities that prevent many talented drivers from advancing, regardless of their on-track achievements.
The conversation soon circled back to Herbst. Upon hearing from fellow podcast guest Freddie Kraft—known as a spotter at 23XI Racing—that Herbst would remain with the team into 2026, Spencer voiced skepticism, suggesting the organization was erring in prioritizing financial backing over raw talent, particularly when compared to rising star Corey Heim.
“Evidently, that kid’s [Herbst] bringing a sponsor. Makes a lot of sense, cause that damn Heim can drive a truck”
— Jimmy Spencer, NASCAR Cup Series veteran
Spencer’s comments point to a recurring theme in NASCAR: the significance of private backing and personal sponsorship in securing and maintaining a ride, sometimes even at the expense of performance.
Riley Herbst’s Mixed Results in His Rookie Cup Season
While Jimmy Spencer’s assessment stands out for its bluntness, criticism of Riley Herbst has been building throughout the racing season, particularly in contrast to Corey Heim. Heim, a 22-year-old standout from the Craftsman Truck Series, has collected more wins this season, including breaking Greg Biffle’s single-season record for victories at that level. Yet, despite this dominant run, Heim does not appear likely to secure a full-time Cup or even O’Reilly Auto Parts Series ride next season.
The obstacle many observers cite is Herbst, who, after competing in five Xfinity Series seasons and progressing to the Cup Series, is seen as having more reliable sponsorship rather than the strongest resume among his peers. Notably, Herbst brings extensive backing from Monster Energy and has familial ties to the Terrible Herbst Oil Company—a factor crucial in modern NASCAR team decisions.
Statistically, Herbst has experienced moderate success in Xfinity, marked by playoff appearances in nearly every full-time campaign and an Xfinity Series win. However, his rookie Cup performance has been underwhelming after a promising start, with finishes including a career-best 14th at Texas in May. More recently, Herbst slid down the point standings to 35th, outpacing only one other full-time driver.
Despite a turbulent season and repeated calls from fans and some commentators for the team to consider other prospects, Herbst will have another year behind the wheel with 23XI Racing, securing his ride through at least 2026 thanks to his connections and sponsorship package.
What’s Next for Corey Heim and the Rookie Standings?
The ongoing discussions about Riley Herbst’s role highlight the increasing tension between financial resources and on-track results in NASCAR’s upper ranks. Corey Heim’s uncertain future, despite his record-breaking Truck Series season, underscores this reality. At just 22, Heim’s performance has made him a focal point in the Rookie of the Year standings conversation, even as he faces limited opportunities at the next level.
Meanwhile, the debate sparked by Spencer’s sharp critique and by ongoing fan commentary signals no immediate end to the debate over how drivers are chosen in NASCAR’s premier divisions. As the season continues, all eyes will remain on Riley Herbst and Corey Heim, with sustained focus on the balance between commercial influence and competitive merit in shaping tomorrow’s NASCAR stars.
