Riley Herbst’s Challenging Rookie Season in NASCAR Cup Series
Las Vegas, NV – Riley Herbst, a rookie driver for 23XI Racing, faces a steep learning curve in his inaugural NASCAR Cup Series season. With 15 races completed, he holds an average finish of 25th in the No. 35 Toyota. Despite these struggles, the Las Vegas native remains optimistic ahead of this weekend’s race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez in Mexico City.
“It’s been challenging, fun, and eye-opening,” Herbst reflected on his rookie campaign. “We’re starting to find speed, but it’s crucial to finish strong. We’ve made mistakes that have cost us but learning this way is part of the process.”
Having spent extensive time in the simulator for the Mexico City track, Herbst expressed his enthusiasm. “It’s one of my favorite road courses. We’re focused on improving and building our experience, and achieving top 15 finishes is an important step.”
Herbst emphasized the importance of support from his 23XI teammates—Tyler Reddick, Denny Hamlin, and Bubba Wallace. He acknowledged, “You don’t know what you don’t know. Asking questions has been key as we work on qualifying better and refining every small detail that contributes to our overall performance.”
Transitioning from the Xfinity Series to the Cup Series has not been without challenges. Herbst stated, “It’s competitive racing; finishing well is difficult, and every position must be earned.”
Despite the demanding 36-race schedule, Herbst expressed satisfaction with the grind. “I enjoy the process of continuous improvement and pushing myself.”
As Herbst looks to build momentum, he appreciates the teamwork within his crew, singling out crew chief Davin Restivo. “Everyone is working hard, and the team camaraderie is essential as we aim for better results.”
With continued focus on qualifying and race execution, Herbst remains committed to his development, confident that each race will bring valuable lessons and improvements.
