Riley Herbst Triumph: Riley Herbst’s victory at Las Vegas marked a significant milestone in his NASCAR career, and it was a long-awaited achievement. Despite entering the Las Vegas weekend with 138 Xfinity starts and three playoff appearances, Herbst had never secured a win in the Xfinity Series. He had come close on numerous occasions but had never managed to close the deal.
The weight of expectations and his own aspirations had weighed heavily on Herbst. However, he had always been willing to embrace challenges and put in the hard work needed to become a winning NASCAR driver.
Herbst’s journey in the Xfinity Series had its share of challenges. His first full season in Xfinity in 2020 was particularly tough due to the absence of practice or qualifying sessions for most of the season, a result of COVID protocols. This lack of track time made it difficult to establish a strong foundation with his team at Joe Gibbs Racing, but Herbst still made it to the playoffs.
Herbst joined Stewart-Haas Racing in 2021, taking over the No. 98 vehicle that had won nine races with Chase Briscoe in the previous year. Herbst was aware of the difficult road ahead in his first year with SHR, but he was eager for the task. He was focused on racing on Sundays and determined to emulate others who had been successful on Saturdays.
However, winning in NASCAR proved to be more challenging and elusive than he expected. Herbst showed improvement each season with SHR, achieving career-highs in top 10s and top 5s but remaining winless.
The 2023 season presented additional hurdles for Herbst. While he started the year with six consecutive top-10 finishes, issues at Watkins Glen, Daytona, and Kansas caused him to miss the playoffs. A change in crew chief in June added another layer of complexity.
Throughout this journey, Herbst had witnessed other drivers scoring their first career wins in fewer starts, which at times led to self-doubt. He questioned whether he truly belonged in NASCAR.
Despite the adversity, Herbst chose to keep fighting, drawing strength from his family’s racing heritage. He continued working on his physical and mental health, honing his racecraft, and embracing the lesson passed down through generations: that hard work pays off.
A pivotal moment in Herbst’s season came during a Cup race at Talladega in which he ran the entire 500 miles and finished ninth. The race boosted his confidence and reinforced his belief in his ability to compete at the highest level.
Finally, the moment Herbst had been working towards arrived at his home track in Las Vegas. He led 103 laps, built a substantial lead of nearly 15 seconds, and clinched his first victory in the Xfinity Series. The weight of expectations and years of hard work had finally paid off.
The victory was a source of immense pride for Herbst’s family, who had witnessed his dedication year after year. It was also a glimpse of the success that awaited Herbst in the future. With the monkey off his back and a newfound confidence, Herbst was poised to continue growing and improving in the NASCAR world.
His success in Las Vegas was more than just a triumph; it was proof of the strength of perseverance and hard work. Herbst firmly believes that dedication and steadfast effort will always lead to success as he advances in his racing career.
ALSO READ: Fan-Controlled Racing Revolutionizes NASCAR Experience
Our Reader’s Queries
How old is Riley Herbst?
The NASCAR Xfinity Series saw the 98 Stewart-Haas Racing Ford in action, driven by a seasoned driver who previously raced for Joe Gibbs Racing. In his first full-time season (2020), he qualified for the postseason, showcasing his impressive skills. Recently, in his 139th career start, the Las Vegas native made his hometown proud by winning his first-ever Xfinity Series race at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. It was a remarkable achievement for the driver, who has come a long way in his career.
Has Riley Herbst ever won a race?
Herbst comes from a family of desert racing enthusiasts. His father Troy, grandfather Jerry, and uncles Ed and Tim are all involved in the sport, having participated in events like the Baja 500 and Baja 1000. In fact, the family was even inducted into the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. Herbst himself got an early start in racing, competing in the Junior 1 Kart division of the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series during his youth.
Is Riley Herbst related to Jerry Herbst?
Riley Herbst pilots the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.
