At the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City on June 15, 2025, Riley Herbst, driving the No. 35 Toyota for Denny Hamlin’s 23XI Racing team, came under heavy fire from fans after a dangerous incident during the NASCAR Cup Series race. Starting 15th, Herbst made contact with William Byron on lap 73, causing his car to spin back into oncoming traffic and nearly colliding with Ricky Stenhouse Jr., igniting a wave of frustration among viewers. This escalating situation spotlighted the
“Denny Hamlin bench Riley Herbst controversy”
as social media erupted demanding consequences.
Fan Reactions Intensify After Herbst’s On-Track Spin
The moment Herbst’s car spun across the racing line was captured and shared swiftly by NASCAR Insider Jeff Gluck, triggering an outcry from fans on X. Commenters expressed disbelief at the near crash, questioning Herbst’s judgment and calling for immediate action. One fan wrote,
“Wow, almost a wild crash with Riley Herbst! He spun back around across traffic!!”
—Jeff Gluck, NASCAR Insider
Other fans were even more critical, with posts such as
“Driver and spotter should be parked immediately. And be suspended next week. That was some ARCA-level idiocy,”
and
“Please park the 35; he’s a liability.”
These statements demonstrate the growing public dissatisfaction with Herbst’s performance in a high-pressure environment.
Riley Herbst’s Struggles and Mounting Pressure from Fans
Road course races like the one in Mexico City are notoriously demanding, and while Riley Herbst boasts a strong reputation in the Xfinity Series fueled by Monster Energy sponsorship, his transition into the Cup Series has been challenging. With a looming threat from rising talent Corey Heim waiting in the wings, fan pressure has increased substantially, spotlighting Hamlin’s team decisions. Many believe Heim’s proven success in lower tiers justifies pushing for a driver change.
Corey Heim’s Dominance Fuels Calls for Driver Change
Corey Heim has made a significant mark in 2025’s Truck Series, securing 4 wins and finishing in the top 5 eight times across just 13 races. Denny Hamlin has publicly praised Heim, describing him as
“head and shoulders above his peers”
in the series, which makes Heim’s potential promotion to 23XI Racing seem inevitable. The primary question now is whether Heim will replace Herbst in the No. 35 car to help elevate the team‘s performance in the Cup Series.
Fan Debate Over Herbst’s Future with 23XI Racing
The community remains divided on whether Riley Herbst deserves more time to adapt or if it’s time to bring in Hein to ensure stronger results. This debate captures the tension between patience for emerging drivers and the urgent demand for safer, more reliable performances on the track. One crucial fan question poses:
“Should Riley Herbst be benched for Corey Heim, or does he deserve another chance to prove himself?”
What Lies Ahead for Hamlin’s Team and NASCAR Fans
As NASCAR’s season continues, 23XI Racing faces tough decisions about driver lineups amid heightened fan scrutiny. Riley Herbst’s future remains uncertain, with each race likely to influence the team’s strategy and fan sentiment. Meanwhile, Corey Heim’s upward trajectory in lower series makes him a strong candidate for promotion, promising fresh energy and potentially more consistent results. The ongoing
“Denny Hamlin bench Riley Herbst controversy”
underscores the intensity of NASCAR’s competitive environment and the fine line teams must walk between nurturing talent and meeting fan expectations.
