At just 25 years old, Herbst has already spent nearly five full seasons competing in the Xfinity Series with top-tier teams, but he hadn’t secured a victory until recently.
Now racing for Stewart-Haas Racing, Herbst celebrated his first win last season at his hometown track, Las Vegas Motor Speedway, marking a significant achievement in his career.
Despite some unsettling news regarding SHR’s impending closure at year-end, Herbst and his No. 98 Ford team have experienced one of their most consistent seasons yet, although they were still in search of a victory to guarantee a spot in the playoffs.
This changed just before the Olympic break when he pulled off a thrilling last-lap pass to win on July 20 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway as NASCAR returned to the 2.5-mile oval track.
Aric Almirola, Joe Gibbs Racing, He Gets Us Toyota Supra, Cole Custer, Stewart-Haas Racing, Haas Automation Ford Mustang and Riley Herbst, Stewart-Haas Racing, Monster Energy Ford Mustang
Photo by: Nigel Kinrade / NKP / Motorsport Images
Reflecting on the win, Herbst stated, “This is Indianapolis. This is the most iconic race track in the world, and just walking in here is an honor, let alone winning.” He expressed confidence in his team’s performance throughout the year but acknowledged some struggles on restarts. “It was a fierce competition.”
He continued, “I’m really proud of my team and everyone at Stewart-Haas Racing. Given the recent news about the team shutting down, they could have easily abandoned me for other opportunities, but they chose to stick by me.”
With this win, Herbst has solidified his chance to compete for the 2024 season title, yet he is also contemplating his future, something he hadn’t initially anticipated.
“Honestly, I wanted to stay here. Stewart-Haas Racing felt like home. They supported me when I was feeling discarded,” he shared. “Greg Zipadelli and Tony Stewart truly uplifted me during my challenging times.”
“I envisioned my future at Stewart-Haas Racing lasting the entire length of my driving career, but hearing rumors in March and receiving the confirmation in May was really tough.”
As is often the case, one opportunity closes while another may open, potentially wide for Herbst.
Opportunities Await at Various Levels
Joe Custer, set to lead the Haas Factory Team, which will feature one Cup and two Xfinity teams starting in 2025, has extended an offer for an Xfinity ride to Herbst. As a result, he now finds himself considering numerous options.
“I’m assessing opportunities across all three series (Cup, Xfinity, and Trucks). I’ve been relying heavily on Kevin Harvick’s advice,” he explained. “I’ve had fruitful discussions with the Haas Factory Team, and they’re operating incredibly fast cars.”
“Ultimately, I plan to weigh my options seriously with Kevin Harvick and the team at Kevin Harvick Incorporated about what my next move should be.”
Herbst’s decision will partially depend on input from his longtime sponsor, Monster Energy, which may be interested in seeing him transition to full-time Cup Series competition.
In his seven career Cup starts, Herbst has achieved two top-10 finishes, one with Rick Ware Racing and another with Front Row Motorsports.
“A crucial point often overlooked is that this isn’t solely my decision; I have a voice in it,” Herbst noted. “It’s about steering the ship based on the insights of respected figures like Kevin. But there’s also a significant company in Corona (Calif.) that will heavily influence our direction.”
“That might weigh even more in the decision-making process. We’ll see where they want to go.”
Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing, Monster Energy Toyota Camry, Riley Herbst, Rick Ware Racing, Monster Energy Zero Sugar Ford Mustang
Photo by: David Rosenblum / NKP / Motorsport Images
No matter what path he chooses, Herbst finds himself in a much stronger position now, having established himself as a multi-time winner and a formidable contender for future victories.
“I truly believe no one in the top three series has evolved more than I have. Looking back at who I was in 2020, it’s remarkable to see the progress,” Herbst reflected.
“The me of 2020 probably wouldn’t even have finished the Indy race. I might have wrecked early on from pushing too hard. I think comparison truly robs one of joy.”
“Many talented drivers have come and gone in this series, but everyone has their own pace. I trusted that if I kept working on myself and improving, I’d eventually succeed and win in this series.”
