As the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season approaches, Riley Herbst finds himself under increasing pressure to perform after a challenging rookie year. With the focus firmly on Riley Herbst NASCAR pressure, his future at 23XI Racing may depend on his results this season, especially with promising talent Corey Heim waiting in the wings.
Team Dynamics Highlight the Need for Stronger Performance
Jordan Bianchi, a respected insider from The Athletic, emphasized on The Teardown podcast the urgency of Herbst’s improvement. He noted the performance gap between Herbst and his teammates, Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, as a significant concern.
“There’s work to do there. I mean when your teammates (are) running as well as (Bubba) Wallace and (Tyler) Reddick are you can’t be buried in points like you are. Second full season in the Cup Series. OK, now let’s put last year to bed and move forward.”
Herbst’s rookie season ended with just two top-10 finishes and a 35th place in the championship standings, a record that falls short of the expectations at 23XI Racing, a team known for competitiveness.
Intense Scrutiny as Corey Heim Waits in Reserve
The pressure on Herbst intensifies further due to the presence of Corey Heim, a driver seen as a potential replacement should Herbst fail to meet performance benchmarks. Bianchi highlighted this precarious situation, pointing out that Herbst’s seat is far from secure.
“We talked about free agency drivers, Riley Herbst is one of those guys who is under a microscope this year and is going to have to produce. There’s a lot of people looking at that seat as a possibility. Let’s not forget 23XI has got Corey Heim sitting on its bench, and what they’re going to do with Corey, that could be a possibility.”
Despite the pressure, there remains belief in Herbst’s capabilities. Kevin Harvick identified him previously as a rookie with strong breakout potential, yet last season’s outcomes did not fulfill those hopes.
What Herbst Must Do to Secure His Position
To maintain his role on the 23XI Racing team, Herbst must deliver clear improvements in his performance. Bianchi underscored that it is ultimately up to Herbst to prove his value on the track.
“The best thing for Riley Herbst to do is to go out and perform,”
“You want to keep your ride with this top team, go out and produce results. But that’s on Riley to do that.”
The Road Ahead for Riley Herbst and 23XI Racing
The 2026 season represents a pivotal moment for Riley Herbst as he attempts to move past a difficult rookie year and justify his spot against rising talent like Corey Heim. The choices made by 23XI Racing in response to Herbst’s results could shape their driver lineup for 2027 and beyond, underscoring the high stakes within NASCAR’s competitive environment.
