Riley Herbst has quickly become a name to watch in the fast-paced world of NASCAR. As a rookie in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2025, this young driver brings energy, determination, and a growing fanbase to the track. Born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada, Herbst carries a unique blend of hometown pride and racing talent. With his transition to the Cup Series this year, he aims to carve out his own legacy in a sport filled with legends. Let’s dive into his journey, his recent performances, and what lies ahead for this promising racer as of March 19, 2025.

Early Days: A Racing Prodigy in the Making

Riley Herbst didn’t stumble into racing by accident. He grew up surrounded by the roar of engines and the smell of burning rubber. Born on February 24, 1999, in Las Vegas, he inherited a passion for speed from his family. His grandfather, Jerry Herbst, founded Terrible Herbst, a well-known chain of gas stations and car washes in the Southwest. This family business not only gave Riley a strong support system but also tied him to the automotive world from a young age. Racing wasn’t just a hobby for him—it became his calling.

Herbst started racing go-karts as a kid, showing off his natural talent early on. He didn’t waste time climbing the ranks of motorsports. By his teens, he competed in off-road racing, a nod to his family’s roots in that scene. However, his focus soon shifted to stock cars, where he began to shine. In 2017, he joined the ARCA Menards Series, a stepping stone for many NASCAR hopefuls. That year, he won his first race at Pocono Raceway, proving he could handle the pressure of professional competition. Fans and insiders alike started to take notice of this Las Vegas native with a knack for speed.

Breaking into NASCAR: The Xfinity Series Years

Riley Herbst’s big break came when he entered the NASCAR Xfinity Series, a critical proving ground for up-and-coming drivers. In 2020, he signed with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), one of the sport’s powerhouse teams. Driving the No. 18 Toyota, he kicked off his full-time Xfinity career with high expectations. Although he didn’t win a race that first season, he showed consistency and flashes of brilliance. His best finish that year—a fourth-place result at Daytona—hinted at the potential bubbling beneath the surface.

The next few years saw Herbst switch teams and continue to grow. In 2021, he moved to Stewart-Haas Racing, where he spent four seasons honing his skills. He racked up solid finishes, including multiple top-10s, but victories remained elusive. That changed in 2023, when he finally broke through. At his home track, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Herbst dominated the Xfinity race and claimed his first career win. The victory felt personal, a triumph in front of his family and friends. Moreover, it silenced doubters who questioned whether he could reach the winner’s circle.

During his Xfinity tenure, Herbst built a reputation as a reliable driver who rarely made mistakes. He completed nearly every lap he started, showcasing his durability and focus. Still, some critics argued his results didn’t match the hype surrounding him. Nevertheless, his experience in the series prepared him for the next big leap: the NASCAR Cup Series.

Stepping Up: The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Rookie Season

In 2025, Riley Herbst took a bold step into the NASCAR Cup Series with 23XI Racing, a team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and driver Denny Hamlin. This move marked a new chapter for the 26-year-old, who now drives the No. 35 Toyota full-time. The Cup Series represents the pinnacle of stock car racing, and Herbst arrived eager to prove himself among the sport’s elite. So far, his rookie campaign has delivered a mix of challenges and encouraging moments.

Herbst kicked off the season at Daytona International Speedway in February 2025. He finished 17th in the Daytona 500, a respectable result for a first-timer on NASCAR’s biggest stage. The next week, he repeated that 17th-place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Then, at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA), he again crossed the line in 17th. This string of identical finishes amused fans and sparked chatter about his consistency. However, the streak ended at Phoenix Raceway, where a massive crash on Lap 99 wiped him out, leaving him in 37th place.

Despite that setback, Herbst bounced back at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on March 16, 2025. Racing on his home turf, he nabbed a 19th-place finish in the Pennzoil 400. This result marked his fourth top-20 in five races, a solid start for a rookie adapting to the Next Gen car. Herbst himself has said he aims to complete every lap this season, focusing on learning the ropes rather than chasing wins right away. With Homestead-Miami Speedway up next on March 23, 2025, he hopes to build on his momentum at a track where he’s historically performed well in Xfinity races.

Behind the Wheel: Herbst’s Driving Style and Strengths

Riley Herbst brings a distinct style to the racetrack. He thrives on intermediate ovals like Las Vegas and Homestead, where his smooth, calculated approach pays off. Unlike some rookies who rely on raw aggression, Herbst leans on patience and precision. He rarely overdrives his car, a trait that helps him avoid wrecks and stay in contention. Additionally, his experience in the Xfinity Series taught him how to manage tires and fuel, skills that translate well to the longer Cup races.

One of his standout strengths lies in his ability to adapt. The Next Gen car, introduced in 2022, levels the playing field with its standardized parts, but it demands quick learning. Herbst has tackled this challenge head-on, completing every lap in four of his five Cup starts so far. His knack for finishing races keeps him in the Rookie of the Year conversation, where he currently leads rival Shane van Gisbergen by seven points after Las Vegas. Furthermore, his familiarity with Toyota equipment—thanks to his time at JGR and now 23XI—gives him an edge as he adjusts to the Cup Series.

The 23XI Racing Factor: A Team on the Rise

Joining 23XI Racing has given Riley Herbst a golden opportunity to shine. The team, founded in 2020, has quickly established itself as a contender. With drivers like Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace leading the charge, 23XI boasts a mix of veteran savvy and youthful energy. Herbst fits right into this dynamic, adding depth to the roster. The team’s Toyota alliance also provides top-tier resources, from engineering support to cutting-edge simulators.

Herbst benefits from the leadership of co-owner Denny Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner with decades of experience. Hamlin’s hands-on approach ensures the team stays competitive week after week. Meanwhile, Michael Jordan’s involvement brings a winning mentality—and a dose of star power—that motivates everyone involved. For Herbst, racing under this banner means more than just driving; it’s about rising to meet the high expectations of a championship-caliber organization.

FAQs

What inspired Riley Herbst to start racing, and how did his family influence his career?

Riley Herbst found inspiration in his family’s deep ties to the automotive and racing worlds. Growing up in Las Vegas, he watched his grandfather, Jerry Herbst, build Terrible Herbst, a business rooted in cars and fuel. This environment sparked his love for speed, while his early success in go-karts and off-road racing fueled his ambition. His family’s support gave him the resources and encouragement to chase a professional career in NASCAR.

How has Riley Herbst performed in his rookie season in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2025?

Riley Herbst has shown consistency and resilience in his 2025 Cup Series rookie season with 23XI Racing. He notched three straight 17th-place finishes at Daytona, Atlanta, and COTA, followed by a crash-induced 37th at Phoenix. His latest race at Las Vegas on March 16, 2025, yielded a 19th-place finish, marking his fourth top-20 in five starts. He currently leads the Rookie of the Year standings by seven points.

What makes Riley Herbst’s driving style unique compared to other NASCAR rookies?

Riley Herbst stands out with his patient, precise approach behind the wheel, avoiding the reckless moves some rookies make. He excels on intermediate tracks and prioritizes finishing races over risky gambles, completing every lap in four of his five Cup starts. His focus on tire management and adaptability to the Next Gen car sets him apart, reflecting his Xfinity Series experience

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