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 **PAA:** Given the competitive landscape of the Cup Series and the challenges you faced transitioning teams, what are the most important lessons you learned during your eight Cup Series races that will help you adapt and succeed in your first full season?
After a dominant win in the Xfinity Series season finale at Phoenix Raceway, Riley Herbst finished his transition to NASCAR’s elite, 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 thoughts 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 stressful. In March, we started hearing rumors about SHR, and from then on, it was all about 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 am very grateful for this opportunity.
Joining 23XI Racing: A Perfect Match
Q: What was your perception of 23XI Racing before joining the team?
Herbst: Watching pilots like Kurt Busch e Tyler Reddick be successful there, it was clear that this team is top-notch. They have incredibly fast racing cars and an innovative 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 going full-time?
Herbst: It’s a big change, but these 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 initial years were all about learning, but in the last year and a half we’ve really found our groove. We had great speed, won several races and finishing on top in Phoenix was the perfect conclusion. It was special to leave the series with that level of performance.
Key Relationships and Mentorship
Q: Your Xfinity crew chief Davin Restivo will be joining you in the Cup. How important is it?
Herbst: It’s huge. Davin is young and motivated, just like me. He’s been in the Cup 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 ’60s, 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 world-class 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 states: “It’s time to get to work.”
**PAA:** Given the competitive landscape of the Cup Series and the challenges you faced transitioning teams, what are the most important lessons you learned during your eight Cup Series races that will help you adapt and succeed in your first full season?
## From Xfinity to Cup: The Riley Herbst Story
**Welcome to World Today News!** Today we have a very special interview with Riley Herbst, the newest addition to the NASCAR Cup Series with 23XI Racing, and with us is also Davin Restivo, Riley’s long-time crew chief who will be making the jump to Cup alongside him. Gentlemen, welcome!
**(Theme: The Road to Cup Series)**
**Interviewer:** Riley, your journey to the Cup Series wasn’t always clear-cut, with the closure of Stewart-Haas Racing creating uncertainty. Can you talk about that period – the emotions, the challenges, and ultimately, what made 23XI the right fit for you?
**Interviewer:** Davin, from a technical perspective, what drew you to 23XI Racing, and how did you approach the challenge of transitioning a driver and a team to a new racing series?
**(Theme: Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead)**
**Interviewer:** Riley, you’ve had the opportunity to dip your toes into the Cup Series waters with eight races under your belt. What were the biggest takeaways from that experience, and how do you think those experiences will shape your approach to a full season?
**Interviewer:** Riley, your Xfinity Series career can be considered a resounding success. What do you believe are the key elements that led to your success in that series? How will you translate these skills and learnings into the more demanding Cup Series environment?
**(Theme: Teamwork and Support)**
**Interviewer:** Riley, the importance of a strong team is undeniable in NASCAR. You’ve spoken about the support from 23XI, your family, and especially the mentorship role Kevin Harvick has played. Can you elaborate on how these relationships provide you with an edge as you enter the Cup Series?
**Interviewer:** Davin, you’ve worked closely with Riley throughout his Xfinity journey. How will that established relationship benefit your collaboration in the Cup Series? What are the unique dynamics of working with a young, talented driver as they navigate the learning curve at this level?
**(Theme: Racing Legacy and Personal Growth)**
**Interviewer:** Riley, your family has a rich racing legacy, particularly in Baja off-road racing. You recently won the Trophy Truck Spec class of the Baja 1000 with your family. How has this heritage shaped your passion for racing, and what lessons have you learned from your involvement in such diverse disciplines of motorsport?
**Interviewer:** Looking toward the future, Riley, what are your goals for your first full season in the Cup Series? What aspirations do you harbor for your racing career, both in the short term and the long term?
**(Final Thoughts)**
**Interviewer:** Riley and Davin, thank you both for your time and insights. We wish you both the best of luck in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. We’re all excited to see what you can achieve!
We hope this interview gives our readers a deeper understanding of Riley Herbst’s journey, his racing philosophy, and his ambitions for the future. Good luck Riley and Davin!
