Who knew that 23XI Racing would onboard Riley Herbst as their third full-time driver with their expansion driver going into the 2025 season? Corey Heim was touted to be the next big star in the Toyota camp, but the opportunity fell into Herbst’s hands and he made the big leap. It’s one thing to burst onto the scene at the Xfinity and Truck Series level, but once you reach the Cup Series, it’s just a different ball game altogether.

The Las Vegas native driver was hitting all the right notes in the past two years with Stewart Haas Racing in the No .98 car. With two wins, five top 5 finishes and a career-best 7th place finish in the points standings, Herbst found his mojo in the Xfinity Series. But, now that he’s a Cup Series rookie at 23XI Racing, he will have to start from scratch again. And being a rookie driver certainly is an uphill climb, and this is something Bubba Wallace can relate to.

Welcome to the Big Leagues: The Rookie Reality

For every driver, there’s a first time. First time stepping in the garage, first time driving the car, first time on the track in the fast lane, and a first time facing the unwritten rules of the racing world. Remember when the name Bubba Wallace burst on the scene? A driver whose own rookie experience was marked both by promise and controversy, whether it was interfering with race results by door-slamming or even throwing water at other racers.

Let’s just say that Bubba Wallace knows a thing or two about being a green behind-the-ears rookie. He’s been there, done that. Now years later, he’s reflecting on his own experiences and offering a dose of reality to the latest crop of rookies, including Michael Jordan’s new signing, Riley Herbst.

According to Wallace, his takeaway for rookies is simple. Just 5 words of wisdom. “It is what it is.” He’s telling them straight up, that it’s going to be tough, they just have to learn fast and prove themselves. “It doesn’t really matter when you’re a rookie, you’re a rookie. That’s how everybody sees it,” Wallace stated about the inevitable ‘rookie treatment’.

Wallace, now a veteran of the sport, recently opened up about his own rookie experience in an interview, hinting at his struggles and frustration of feeling like his insights weren’t always given the weight they deserved. “I’m not saying that they didn’t listen to me and just blew my comments off, but it is different when you’re a rookie,” Wallace said, explaining that it’s the way, where experience is given more value over fresh talent.

But here’s the twist: While Bubba Wallace is giving out advice to the rookies, he’s also fighting for his own spot in the game. And the pressure is mounting.

Trending

1

Kyle Larson Cleared of Guilt by NASCAR Veterans Despite Austin Cindric’s Atlanta Callout

2

“It’s A Shame”: Kyle Larson Accused by Roger Penske’s Star After Reckless Aggression in Atlanta

3

Jealous of HMS Teammate, Kyle Larson Punishes Himself for His Biggest Racing Weakness

4

When Dale Earnhardt’s Secret Life Left Dale Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt in Total Shock

5

Old School Hall of Famer Reveals 2-Worded Mantra for Carson Hocevar Amidst Public Hatred

Under Pressure: Bubba’s Fight to Stay in the Game

Remember we talked about Corey Heim being close to joining 23XI Racing as a full-timer? Although Herbst is the one who’s found a new home, Heim has been roped in as a part-time driver for the 2025 season. The Tricon Garage driver will pilot the No. 67 Toyota Camry with Bootie Barker calling the shots for him at the top of the pit box. Apart from Cup racing, he will run a part-time schedule with Sam Hunts Racing in the Xfinity Series as well.

Although Wallace signed a multi-year deal with the team keeping him in the No. 23 car beyond 2025, he is on the clock. There’s a clear indication that MJ and Denny Hamlin are looking towards the future and have identified Corey Heim as a potential candidate. It is hard to see them part ways with Tyler Reddick, especially after the splendid 2024 outing, and Herbst is only settling into his role. The onus is on Wallace to take command of the team as a senior driver and prove that he is worthy of his seat at the table.

After a winless 2024 campaign, nothing but a playoff appearance will silence the rumors and speculation surrounding Wallace’s future at 23XI Racing.