23XI Racing has added Riley Herbst for a third full-time car in 2025, the team announced Wednesday.
He joins Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace as teammates in the organization co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan.
Herbst will drive the No. 35 car for 23XI Racing and will have Monster Energy as a sponsor. Davin Restivo, who has been Herbst’s crew chief since the middle of the 2023 season at Stewart-Haas Racing, joins 23XI Racing to be Herbst’s crew chief in 2025.
The 25-year-old Las Vegas native recently completed his fifth full-time season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He has three career victories. His two wins last season – at Indianapolis and in the season finale at Phoenix – came on a last-lap pass.
“It’s an honor to join 23XI and Toyota for the opportunity to race in the Cup Series every week,” Herbst said in a team release. “Racing full-time in the Cup Series has been my goal since I started in NASCAR and I am excited to begin my Cup career with such an accomplished and motivated team. What 23XI has accomplished in a short time is impressive and I look forward to building on their success as the organization grows. It’s also great to continue representing Monster and I’m excited to add to their legacy in NASCAR.
Familiar faces in new locations for 2025 NASCAR season in Cup and Xfinity
Chase Briscoe’s move to Joe Gibbs Racing is one of several drivers and crew chiefs joining new teams for the upcoming season.
“Everyone at TRD is excited to support 23XI Racing as they continue to grow their program in the NASCAR Cup Series with the addition of Riley Herbst in a third full-time entry for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season” , said Tyler Gibbs, general manager. , TRD USA.
“Having worked with Riley in the past, we have watched his growth over the past few seasons in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. We look forward to Riley joining the Toyota family and helping them achieve their goals next year and into the future. »
23XI Racing debuted in 2021 with Wallace as driver. The organization expanded to two cars in 2022. The 2025 season will mark the first time the organization will run three cars full-time.
NASCAR removes provision so 23XI and Front Row can compete as open teams in 2025
The lawsuit against NASCAR will continue as both teams look to run as charter teams in 2025.
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are suing NASCAR and have not signed an agreement to operate as rental cars. NASCAR recently removed a clause from the open team agreement that allows both teams to sign it while their lawsuit continues.
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports are appealing a federal judge’s decision not to grant a preliminary injunction that would have allowed them to sign the charter agreement while continuing their lawsuit.
23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports requested that the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals hear oral arguments on the issue in December, while NASCAR requested that oral arguments be scheduled for late January. The court of appeal has not yet issued a decision.
