Riley Herbst's career is set to take a significant turn as he joins 23XI Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series. This move comes as the team plans to expand to three cars in 2025, with Herbst set to team up with Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace. Herbst has an impressive track record in the Xfinity Series, with three wins over 175 starts and four seasons of full-time racing with Stewart-Haas Racing.

Expansion Plans and Lawsuits

23XI Racing has long been rumored to expand to three cars next season, but the lawsuit against NASCAR over the sanctioning body's franchising agreement added an element of uncertainty. The team and Front Row Motorsports filed an anti-trust lawsuit, accusing NASCAR of monopolistic business practices. However, NASCAR recently removed a legal action clause, allowing both teams to compete as open teams in 2025 if their lawsuit isn't successful or if they haven't signed the charter agreement by the 2025 Daytona 500. Open teams face challenges as they are not guaranteed starting berths and receive a lesser share of purse money.Front Row Motorsports is also expanding to three cars next season, and both teams were set to buy charters from Stewart-Haas Racing. But due to the lawsuit, the immediate outcome of the charter purchases is unclear.

Riley Herbst's Racing Achievements

Herbst had a remarkable 2024 season, winning two races and finishing seventh in the points standings, which was a career-best. His second victory came in the season finale at Phoenix Raceway, and he got his first win in 2023 in his hometown of Las Vegas. His family's chain of convenience stores has been a part of his career, and Monster has been his primary sponsor for nearly his entire career. The energy drink will continue to support him at the Cup Series level and was a primary sponsor for Reddick and Ty Gibbs at times in 2024.

Impact on the NASCAR Landscape

Herbst's move to 23XI Racing and the expansion of both teams will have a significant impact on the NASCAR Cup Series. With three talented drivers on board, 23XI Racing is expected to be a force to be reckoned with. The addition of Herbst's experience and talent will bring a new dimension to the team. Additionally, the lawsuit and the resulting changes in the racing landscape will shape the future of NASCAR and how teams operate. It remains to be seen how these developments will unfold and what impact they will have on the sport as a whole.