His future in NASCAR may be uncertain, but Stewart-Haas Racing driver Riley Herbst has every reason to celebrate. The 25-year-old recently won his first race of the 2024 Xfinity Series season at the historic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and his No. 98 Ford Mustang has shown blazing fast pace through the first 20 races. The Nevada native will start just behind Sheldon Creed at the Michigan race and hopes to keep his momentum going at the Cabo Wabo 250.
With Stewart-Haas Racing ceasing operations at the end of the 2024 season, Herbst has not yet announced his plans for 2025. The situation he finds himself in is unfortunate, as he has been on the joint team of Gene Haas and Tony Stewart since 2021. However, the driver is very grateful to his employer, as they have played an important role in his development.
Herbst is grateful for the opportunity at Stewart-Haas Racing
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Stewart-Haas Racing is a team of contrasting successes. Despite their many struggles in the Cup Series, their performances in the Xfinity Series couldn’t be more different. Cole Custer currently sits atop the drivers’ standings with two consecutive top-two finishes, while Riley Herbst is fifth. Both drivers are battling for the championship, with Herbst in particular finally seeming to find his rhythm. The 25-year-old has finished in the top 10 three times at Michigan International Speedway, and his second-place qualifying finish puts Herbst in good position to double his win tally.
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However, none of this would have been possible if Stewart-Haas Racing hadn’t given him the chance in 2021. The team took their chance with Herbst after he finished 12th with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2020. They’ve seen him go from a promising talent to a championship contender over the past few years. At the pre-race press conference at Michigan International Speedway, Herbst said: “Of course I don’t know what the next step is, so hopefully we can sort that out here soon. But Stewart-Haas Racing, as I’ve told many people, picked me up when I was kicked out.”
“I owe a lot to Greg Zipadelli and of course Tony Stewart and everyone there. They helped me not only develop as a person but as a racer. I feel like I’ve grown so much in all areas and I’m at my peak. It’s cool to say that it’s cool to be where I am now as a racer. I won at one of the most historic tracks in the world and have the momentum to go to Phoenix with my team and fight for the championship.”
Despite Stewart-Haas Racing having to operate with very limited resources, Riley Herbst has managed to score four top-five and nine top-ten finishes and one win in the first 20 races. The team has fought together to get results against all odds and with six races remaining until the start of the playoffs, it is not out of the question that Herbst could score more wins. A strong finish to the season could also make it easier for the driver to secure a spot for 2025, removing any uncertainty about his future.
With his teammate Cole Custer joining the Haas factory team in the Cup Series next year, Riley Herbst will soon have a decision to make as well. Will he follow suit and perhaps settle for an uncompetitive race in NASCAR’s top class? Or will he stay in the Xfinity Series and join a team that can challenge for the championship every year? It may all depend on how well Herbst does in the playoffs, which could potentially open more doors for the 25-year-old.
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Riley Herbst hints at several options for the 2025 seat
With Stewart-Haas Racing eventually closing, the Haas Factory team will take over one of their charters in the Cup Series while retaining control of the two Xfinity Series teams. Cole Custer has already been confirmed for a return to NASCAR’s top division, and Sheldon Creed has been linked to a move to the Xfinity Series. With one spot still open, could Riley Herbst decide to drive for Gene Haas’ team in the 2025 season?
The 25-year-old has said he has several options to choose from in all three national series, but his final decision will depend on his primary sponsor Monster Energy. Speaking to SpeedwayDigest.com, Herbst said: “I think there’s a lot going on behind the scenes, but it’s not just about Riley Herbst, it’s about Monster Energy. The most important thing is figuring out what’s right for me, what’s right for Monster Energy..“ The driver continued: “I did that last year and I’ll do it again this year. There are a lot of options on the table, so we’re excited about everything and listening to everyone.”
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Herbst’s focus right now is to finish the current Xfinity Series season strong and secure a competitive spot for 2025. The driver has made eight Cup Series appearances in his career so far, with his best finish being 9th at Talladega Superspeedway for Front Row Motorsports in the 2023 season. Although he would prefer to compete at the highest level, Riley Herbst could settle for a spot in the Xfinity Series if the move is beneficial to his development in the long run.
What do you think about Riley Herbst’s next career move? Let us know in the comments!