Riley Herbst Bio
Early Life and Background
Riley Dederick Kern Herbst was born on February 24, 1999, in Las Vegas, Nevada. He comes from a family deeply rooted in off-road racing, with his father, Troy, and grandfather, Jerry, participating in events like the Baja 500 and Baja 1000. This familial connection to racing provided Herbst with early exposure to motorsports, as he began racing karts at the age of five, progressing through various racing formats, including legends, Speed Trucks, and Super Late Models.
In 2015, Herbst raced weekly at Irwindale Speedway in a Super Late Model, where he also won the track’s Speed Trucks championship. By 2016, he expanded his racing portfolio by participating in several NASCAR East and West series events, alongside his Super Late Model racing at Irwindale.
Path to NASCAR Cup Series
Herbst’s journey to the NASCAR Cup Series began in earnest when he drove full-time for Joe Gibbs Racing in the ARCA Racing Series in 2017. He initially drove the No. 81 but switched to the No. 18 for the remainder of the season, securing a victory at Pocono and earning the series’ Rookie of the Year award. His success in ARCA set the stage for his future endeavors in NASCAR.
In 2018, he made his debut in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and continued to develop his skills in various series, including the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. His consistent performances and competitive spirit caught the attention of team owners, leading to his eventual signing with 23XI Racing.
Riley Herbst Career
Early Career (2017–2020)
Herbst’s early career was marked by his time in the ARCA Racing Series, where he achieved notable success, including a win and multiple top finishes. He transitioned to the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2018, where he split driving duties in the No. 18 car at Joe Gibbs Racing. His first full-time season in Xfinity came in 2020, where he qualified for the playoffs and finished the year with a strong performance, including a second-place finish at Auto Club Speedway.
In 2021, he joined Stewart-Haas Racing, driving the No. 98 car. His tenure there saw him achieve career-highs in top-five and top-ten finishes, showcasing his growth as a driver.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Breakthrough (2021–2023)
Herbst’s breakthrough in the NASCAR Xfinity Series came in 2023 when he scored his first career win at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This victory was part of a strong season where he consistently finished in the top ten, despite missing the playoffs. His performance in the latter part of the season included a streak of top-five finishes, solidifying his reputation as a competitive driver.
In 2024, he continued with Stewart-Haas Racing, achieving another strong start to the season and securing a win at Indianapolis. He finished the year strong, contributing to the team’s success and earning a seventh-place finish in the points standings.
23XI Racing Era (2025–Present)
In November 2024, 23XI Racing announced that Herbst would drive the No. 35 Toyota full-time for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. He began the season with a seventeenth-place finish at the Daytona 500, but struggled throughout the year, failing to secure a top-ten finish and finishing 35th in the overall standings. Despite these challenges, Herbst’s potential remains evident as he continues to develop in the Cup Series.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Herbst is known for his aggressive driving style and ability to adapt to various racing conditions. His background in off-road racing contributes to his skill set, allowing him to handle high-pressure situations effectively. His partnership with Monster Energy as a sponsor further enhances his visibility in the sport.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Herbst’s notable achievements include winning the Baja 1000 Trophy Truck Spec Class in both 2023 and 2024, as well as being named the ARCA Racing Series Rookie of the Year in 2017. His first win in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Las Vegas marked a significant milestone in his career.
Riley Herbst Career Wins
Riley Herbst has achieved notable success across various racing series, including wins in the ARCA Racing Series and the NASCAR Xfinity Series. His victories highlight his competitive nature and ability to perform under pressure.
Current NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
As of 2025, Herbst has not yet secured a win in the NASCAR Cup Series but has shown promise with consistent performances. His best finish in the series has been a tenth place at the Daytona 500 during his debut.
Previous NASCAR Xfinity Series Achievements
In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Herbst has recorded three wins, with his first victory coming at the Alsco Uniforms 302 in 2023. He also achieved significant success in the 2024 season, including a win at the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship Race.
Riley Herbst Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Herbst’s family has a rich history in motorsports, particularly in off-road racing. His family’s involvement in racing has undoubtedly influenced his career path and dedication to the sport.
Personal Life
Public details about Herbst’s personal life are limited, but he is known to be connected to the Terrible Herbst company, which is involved in various business ventures.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been challenging for Riley Herbst as he navigates his first full year in the NASCAR Cup Series with 23XI Racing. Despite a promising start at the Daytona 500, where he finished seventeenth, he has struggled to find consistent speed and results. The team dynamics and crew chief strategies will be crucial as the season progresses, and Herbst aims to improve his standings and secure his first top-ten finish in the series.