Riley Herbst Bio
Early Life and Background
Riley Dederick Kern Herbst was born on February 24, 1999, in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. He hails from a family deeply rooted in off-road racing, with his father Troy, grandfather Jerry, and uncles Ed and Tim all participating in events like the Baja 500 and Baja 1000. This family background provided Herbst with early exposure to motorsports, as he began racing karts at the age of five and progressed through various racing formats, including legends, Speed Trucks, and Super Late Models.
In 2015, Herbst raced weekly at Irwindale Speedway in a Super Late Model, where he won the track’s Speed Trucks championship. By 2016, he was competing in several NASCAR East and West series races while continuing to race Super Late Models. His early experiences laid a strong foundation for his future in professional racing.
Path to NASCAR
Herbst’s journey through the ranks of motorsports included significant achievements in various series. In 2017, he drove full-time for Joe Gibbs Racing in the ARCA Racing Series, where he won a race at Pocono and earned the series’ Rookie of the Year award. His success in ARCA opened doors for him in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he made his debut in 2018.
Herbst’s career continued to progress as he transitioned to the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he drove for multiple teams, including Stewart-Haas Racing. His consistent performances and ability to compete at a high level helped him secure a full-time ride in the NASCAR Cup Series with 23XI Racing.
Riley Herbst Career
Early Career (2017-2020)
Herbst’s early career was marked by his time in the ARCA Racing Series, where he showcased his talent by winning one race and finishing seventh in the standings in 2017. He also competed in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he had notable runs and gained valuable experience. His transition to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series included a debut in 2018, where he finished eighth in his first race.
In 2020, Herbst began to establish himself in the Xfinity Series, qualifying for the playoffs and finishing twelfth in points. His performances included multiple top-five finishes, indicating his growing competitiveness in the series.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Breakthrough (2021-2023)
In December 2020, Herbst signed with Stewart-Haas Racing to drive the No. 98 Ford in the Xfinity Series. His 2021 season was challenging, but he rebounded with a strong performance at Phoenix Raceway. The following year, he had his best season in the Xfinity Series, achieving eight top-fives and twenty top-ten finishes.
Herbst’s breakthrough came in 2023 when he scored his first career win at Las Vegas, marking a significant milestone in his racing career. He finished the season strong, with multiple top-five finishes, although he missed the playoffs.
23XI Racing Era (2025-Present)
In November 2024, it was announced that Herbst would drive the No. 35 Toyota for 23XI Racing starting in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. He began the season with a seventeenth-place finish at the Daytona 500. However, the season proved to be challenging, as he struggled to secure top-ten finishes, with his best result being fourteenth at Texas, ultimately finishing 35th in the standings.
Despite the difficulties, Herbst’s potential remains evident, and he continues to work towards improving his performance in the Cup Series.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Herbst is known for his adaptability and competitive spirit on the track. His background in various racing formats has equipped him with a diverse skill set, allowing him to navigate different racing conditions effectively. His strategic approach to racing and ability to work with his team are key strengths that contribute to his ongoing development as a driver.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Among his notable achievements, Herbst won the ARCA Racing Series Rookie of the Year award in 2017 and claimed victory in the Baja 1000 Trophy Truck Spec Class in both 2023 and 2024. His first NASCAR Xfinity Series win at Las Vegas in 2023 marked a significant milestone in his career.
Riley Herbst Career Wins
Riley Herbst has achieved notable success across various racing series, including wins in the ARCA Racing Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. His victories reflect his growth as a driver and his potential for future success in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Current NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
As of 2025, Herbst has yet to secure a win in the NASCAR Cup Series but has shown promise with a top finish of seventeenth at the Daytona 500. His journey in the series is just beginning, and he aims to build on his experiences and improve his performance in the upcoming races.
Previous NASCAR Xfinity Series Achievements
In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Herbst has recorded three wins, with his first victory coming at the Alsco Uniforms 302 in Las Vegas in 2023. He also had a strong 2022 season, achieving a career-high in top-five finishes and consistently finishing in the top ten.
Riley Herbst Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Herbst comes from a family with a rich history in motorsports, particularly in off-road racing. His family’s involvement in events like the Baja 500 and Baja 1000 has influenced his career path and passion for racing.
Personal Life
Herbst’s family owns the Terrible Herbst company, which is well-known in the Las Vegas area. While he maintains a focus on his racing career, details about his personal life remain private, with limited public information available.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a challenging one for Riley Herbst as he competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for 23XI Racing. After starting the season with a seventeenth-place finish at the Daytona 500, Herbst has struggled to find consistent speed and results. Despite showing flashes of potential, he has yet to secure a top-ten finish, with his best result being fourteenth at Texas. As the season progresses, Herbst and his team are focused on improving their performance and aiming for better results in the upcoming races.
