Table of Contents
- 0.1 “A Lifelong Dream Realized”
- 0.2 Navigating Uncertainty and Finding a New Home
- 0.3 Joining 23XI Racing: A Perfect Match
- 0.4 On the Transition to Cup Racing
- 0.5 A Stellar Career in the Xfinity Series
- 0.6 Key Relationships and Mentorship
- 0.7 Looking to 2025
- 0.8 A family legacy in Baja
- 0.9 Ready for the big leagues
- 1 Beyond the on-track challenges, what specific pieces of advice would Mike Beam, with his vast experience, offer to a young driver like Riley Herbst navigating the world of sponsorship, media attention, and the demanding Cup Series schedule?
Fresh off a dominant win in the Xfinity Series season finale at Phoenix Raceway, Riley Herbst made his transition into NASCAR’s elite official, earning a full-time spot in the Cup Series with 23XI Racing. At just 25 years old, Herbst is poised to drive the No. 35 Monster Energy Toyota in 2025, marking the culmination of a lifelong dream and the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
Here’s an inside look at Herbst’s journey, his reflections on the Xfinity Series and his aspirations for the NASCAR Cup Series.
“A Lifelong Dream Realized”
Q: You are now a full-time Cup driver. How does it feel?
Herbst: It’s fantastic. This has been a lifelong dream, and to finally have a full-time seat in the Cup Series is incredible. We worked so hard to get here, and now I can’t wait to get to Daytona to get the ball rolling.
Q: When Stewart-Haas Racing announced its closure, how did this uncertainty impact you?
Herbst: It was a distressing situation. In March, we started hearing rumors about SHR, and from that point on, everything was focused on finding the best place for the future. I had amazing people around me, but not knowing what was going to happen was difficult. In the end, I think we found the perfect home with 23XI Racingand I’m so grateful for this opportunity.
Joining 23XI Racing: A Perfect Match
Q: What was your perception of 23XI Racing before joining the team?
Herbst: See pilots like Kurt Busch e Tyler Reddick be successful there, it was clear that this team is at a high level. They have incredibly fast race cars and a forward-thinking approach. Being a part of this organization is amazing, and I’m excited to make the most of this opportunity.
On the Transition to Cup Racing
Q: You have participated in eight Cup races so far. How do you feel about making the leap to full time?
Herbst: It’s a big change, but those eight races gave me a taste of what to expect. The cars I will drive now will be better prepared and faster, which is exciting. I know it will be a steep learning curve, but I’m up for the challenge and eager to continue to improve each week.
A Stellar Career in the Xfinity Series
Q: How would you sum up your time in the Xfinity Series?
Herbst: The first few years were all about learning, but in the last year and a half, we’ve really found our groove. We had great speed, won multiple races and finishing on top in Phoenix was the perfect ending. It was special to leave the series with that level of performance.
Key Relationships and Mentorship
Q: Your Xfinity crew chief, Davin Restivo, is joining you in the Cup Series. How important is it?
Herbst: It’s huge. Davin is young and eager, just like me. He’s been in the Cup Series before as an engineer, so having him on this trip is a big plus. He’s already in the workshop working for next year, and that gives me a lot of confidence.
Q: Is anyone else helping out as you prepare for the Cup?
Herbst: Kevin Harvick he was an incredible mentor. His experience and wisdom are invaluable. He’s been to the top of the mountain and being able to count on him has been a great help.
Looking to 2025
Q: What are your goals for your first full Cup season?
Herbst: It will be a learning process. There will be great days and difficult days, but my goal is to complete races, gain experience and improve week after week. If we continue to progress, I think we will have a solid year to be proud of.
A family legacy in Baja
Q: You recently won the Trophy Truck Spec class of the Baja 1000 with your family. How special was it?
Herbst: It was incredible. My family has been racing Baja since the 1960s, so continuing that tradition and winning back-to-back titles with them has been amazing. Being there with my cousins, uncles and my father is something I will always carry in my heart.
Ready for the big leagues
Riley Herbst enters the NASCAR Cup Series armed with talent, determination and the support of a top-notch team. With Monster Energy e 23XI Racing at his side, he’s ready to make a difference as he takes on the sport’s biggest stage.
As Herbst himself says: “It’s time to get to work.”
Here’s an interview structure outline with open-ended questions, based on the provided article about Riley Herbst’s transition to the NASCAR Cup Series.
**Interview Title:** Riley Herbst: From Xfinity Triumph to Cup Series Dreams
**Guests:**
* **Riley Herbst:** NASCAR Driver
* **Mike Beam:** Veteran NASCAR Crew Chief and Analyst (Offers expert perspective)
**Introduction:**
* Briefly introduce Riley Herbst and his recent Xfinity Series win and Cup Series opportunity.
* Introduce Mike Beam, highlighting his experience and insights into the world of NASCAR.
**Section 1: The Road to the Cup Series**
* **Question for Riley:** You’ve had a remarkable journey, from your early racing days to winning the Xfinity finale. What were some of the defining moments that made your dream of reaching the Cup Series a reality?
* **Question for Mike:** Riley mentioned navigating uncertainty when Stewart-Haas Racing decided to close its doors. How common are these types of shifts in NASCAR, and what advice would you give young drivers facing similar situations?
**Section 2: Finding the Right Fit with 23XI Racing**
* **Question for Riley:** You’ll be driving for 23XI Racing alongside drivers like Tyler Reddick. What impressed you most about the team, and what aspects do you feel align with your driving style and goals?
* **Question for Mike:** From a crew chief’s perspective, how crucial is team chemistry and environment for a driver’s success? What factors contribute to a strong team dynamic in NASCAR?
**Section 3: Stepping Up to the Cup Series Challenge**
* **Question for Riley:** You have some Cup Series experience. How does the level of competition and the overall atmosphere differ between the Xfinity and Cup Series?
* **Question for Mike:** Riley mentioned learning as much as possible in his first Cup season. What specific challenges should a young driver like Riley be prepared for when transitioning to the Cup Series?
**Section 4: Building a Winning Formula**
* **Question for Riley:** You have Davin Restivo, your Xfinity crew chief, joining you in the Cup Series. How will this continuity help you as you adapt to the higher level of competition?
* **Question for Mike:** The guidance of a mentor can be invaluable. How important has Kevin Harvick’s mentorship been for Riley, and what qualities do you think make a great mentor in the NASCAR world?
**Section 5: Looking Towards the Future**
* **Question for Riley:** What are your initial goals for your rookie Cup Series season, and what aspects of your driving do you hope to improve on?
* **Question for Mike:** Given Riley’s talent and the support he has, what potential do you see for him in the Cup Series over the next few years?
**Section 6: A Family Legacy, Baja and Beyond**
* **Question for Riley:** You recently won the Baja 1000. How does your family’s racing legacy in Baja connect to your NASCAR aspirations? Does off-road racing contribute to your skills as a Stock Car driver?
**Conclusion:**
* Summarize the key takeaways from the conversation, highlighting Riley’s determination and the exciting path ahead.
* Leave the audience with a final thought from either guest about Riley’s potential and the future of NASCAR.
