Riley Herbst’s experiences away from the racetrack are proving as eventful as his performances in NASCAR, with the young driver navigating unique encounters with dedicated fans in unexpected places. As Riley Herbst deals with high levels of attention in public settings, his approach to NASCAR fan interactions stands out for its open and approachable style, even in moments that test his comfort.
Riley Herbst Embraces NASCAR Fan Attention in All Settings
Riley Herbst, at 26 years old and representing 23XI Racing, has discovered that the passion of racing fans sometimes crosses personal boundaries. While many athletes seek privacy during their downtime, Herbst revealed prior to the Xfinity 500 that fans have little hesitation in requesting autographs or selfies in nearly any situation. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Herbst recounted with a laugh how some supporters follow him right up to the restroom in hopes of a quick interaction, highlighting the enthusiasm surrounding NASCAR personalities.
“They love to walk to the bathroom with you. It’s kind of weird. Yeah, so they want your autographs, so they will follow you anywhere you go, and they’ll stand outside the bathroom waiting for you to come out, which is a bit odd.”
– Riley Herbst, NASCAR Driver
Despite these often awkward moments, the driver of the No. 35 Toyota Camry prefers not to distance himself. Herbst takes the bursting fan engagement in stride, maintaining accessibility, and treating uncomfortable scenarios with good humor. He views his role as a driver as one that goes beyond the racetrack, aligning with NASCAR’s fan-centric culture and embracing the sport’s unique community feel.
“No security for me. I am a man of the people. I’m not nervous at all about it. It’s all in fun, and they support NASCAR and they love all their drivers, so it’s cool to see,”
he added. – Riley Herbst, NASCAR Driver
The lighthearted approach extends to moments when fans try to challenge him to casual races on city roads. Herbst, well aware of the boundaries between race day and everyday life, finds humor even in these situations, considering every interaction as a way to help grow and promote NASCAR.
Rookie Season Struggles Highlight Pressures Facing Riley Herbst
While Riley Herbst manages fan attention with a relaxed demeanor, his first full Cup Series season has come with its own on-track challenges. Competing alongside teammates Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick for 23XI Racing, Herbst’s inaugural campaign has seen him struggle to find competitive form. After 34 starts, he is positioned near the back of the full-time driver standings and has yet to record a top-10 finish, a result that has led to increased scrutiny of his future with the team.
Calls for Change Grow with Corey Heim’s Emerging Talent
As Herbst’s difficulties have become more apparent, conversations around potential replacements have intensified. Corey Heim, who is part of 23XI’s development program, has delivered standout performances in the Truck Series, including an 11th win this season at the Martinsville Slim Jim 200. Heim, at just 22, has earned recognition with four Cup starts driving the No. 67 Toyota, achieving a best finish of sixth at Bristol, and is widely regarded as a rising star.
A recent exchange on the Door Bumper Clear podcast further fueled speculation, as former NASCAR driver Jimmy Spencer openly questioned Herbst’s abilities during a discussion on driver development and talent acquisition within the sport. Spencer did not hold back in his critique:
“We need to get the talent from the dirt cars, the Flo racing. That shows the talent. I mean, who’s that Riley Herbst? That poor son of a b***h can’t drive nothing.”
– Jimmy Spencer, Former NASCAR Driver
The comments prompted a lighthearted yet pointed response from 23XI spotter and show co-host Freddie Kraft, who defended his teammate:
“Are you going to pick on every one of my fu**ing teammates?”
– Freddie Kraft, 23XI Spotter & Podcast Co-Host
Spencer, however, reinforced his position, claiming:
“Well, no, he can’t. I mean, we know he’s not going to be in that car next year.”
– Jimmy Spencer, Former NASCAR Driver
Beneath the teasing, Kraft acknowledged that the team’s roster for the next season remains under discussion. He suggested that while Herbst could remain involved in some capacity, Heim’s strong case for advancement is hard to ignore:
“He (Herbst) is going to be in it next year, I think. I hope,”
Kraft said.
“I think he’s (Heim) definitely got some part-time stuff, but I don’t know if he’s going to be full-time anything.”
– Freddie Kraft, 23XI Spotter & Podcast Co-Host
The back-and-forth concluded with Spencer’s blunt assessment:
“Well, they’re making a mistake.” – Jimmy Spencer, Former NASCAR Driver
Financial and Sponsorship Hurdles for Emerging Drivers
The lively debate as seen in the podcast reflects broader conversations within NASCAR regarding the obstacles facing young drivers, particularly around funding and sponsorship. For rookies like Herbst, every race is an opportunity to prove worth despite significant pressures, while developers such as Corey Heim represent the sport’s shift towards rewarding talent and consistency at lower series levels.
Looking Ahead for Riley Herbst in NASCAR
With only the Martinsville and Phoenix events remaining in his rookie season, Riley Herbst is striving to turn around a challenging set of results, having finished outside the top 30 during the summer stretch. His ability to remain approachable and connected with NASCAR fans through memorable interactions could provide both personal and professional momentum as the season concludes. The next few weeks will also be crucial in determining his role with 23XI Racing as discussions persist about future lineups and potential part-time opportunities. As one of the faces representing NASCAR’s new generation, Herbst’s positive handling of wild NASCAR fan interactions and on-track adversity will likely continue to shape his trajectory in the competitive world of stock car racing.
