Moments of glory are often born from perseverance and passion. And Tony Stewart‘s young prodigy exemplified that in Las Vegas. The Las Vegas Motor Speedway bore witness to a historic achievement as the #98 Ford driver for Stewart-Haas Racing clinched his first-ever NASCAR national series victory in a dominating performance. Yet, this milestone victory carries deeper emotions than meets the eye, leaving even NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. profoundly moved.

Riley Herbst’s journey to his first NASCAR national series win was nothing short of remarkable. The Las Vegas Motor Speedway, his hometown track, became the stage for this glorious moment. Herbst is a third-generation racer hailing from a family celebrated as the first family of desert racing. He boasts an impressive racing lineage. His grandfather, father, and uncles are esteemed inductees of the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame. A testament to their desert racing legacy.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. had nothing but praise for Tony Stewart’s prodigy after his first win

Herbst, aged 24, chose to chart his own course within the asphalt realm of NASCAR. Saturday’s Xfinity Series race marked his first NASCAR national series win. A victory he achieved after 154 starts across three series. The Stewart Haas Racing driver’s dominance was evident as he led 103 of the 201 laps. He ultimately claimed victory by a considerable margin of nearly 15 seconds over Xfinity Series championship leader John Hunter Nemechek.

Dale Earnhardt Jr. was present at the track when Herbst secured his first win. Speaking on his podcast, Dale Jr. shared his thoughts on this significant moment, praising Herbst in glowing terms. “I was an emotional thing. I don’t know how it felt to anyone else watching at home or whether you were there or not. But standing up on that booth and being so close to him down on the front straightaway going on and on about how this was such a big deal to him. It really hit me, Pretty cool, he’s a great dude,” said Dale Jr.

“And you kind of get snippets of his background. Where he’s from, where he grew up. There are some preconceived notions, right? There are some assumptions that are not all great about if you were to go walk up to him. What would he say? How would he act? I am telling you, I’ve been more than impressed every time I’ve had a chance to engage with him at the racetrack and talk to him. He is the nicest kid,” he added.

Junior also spoke about how this win was even more special for Herbst because of his new contract with SHR. “Well, great for Riley and right on the heel of announcing that he’s coming back in that car. You know they had a little frustration through the playoffs. He feels like they were good enough to make it. But the car and a couple of things failed him. And they get a chance to do it all over again the next year. And I think coming off of a win makes everybody feel like, alright, yeah, we’re making the right decisions.”

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Even though Herbst won his first race at his home track. He had a few words of disappointment to share in his post-race interview.

Riley Herbst is bummed out about not making the Xfinity playoffs in a top-tier car

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Despite the joyous celebration of his long-awaited win, Riley Herbst’s journey in the 2023 NASCAR season has been a disappointment. Representing one of the top teams in the series, his failure to qualify for the playoffs was the biggest letdown for him. Herbst’s emotions ran high as he spoke exclusively to NBC Sports post-race.

“This year is such a failure to not make the playoffs, and it’s so embarrassing to be in a car like this that doesn’t make the playoffs, and walk in the garage each week with your head down,” Herbst confessed. His determination and passion were palpable as he continued, “I am so emotional, everyone here in Las Vegas, this is my home, this is where I was born and raised, and so let’s go party because we’re going to celebrate tonight.”

Riley Herbst’s historic victory added a new chapter of dominance in NASCAR. Not only did he secure his first NASCAR National Series win. But he also etched his name in history by achieving the largest winning margin ever recorded at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. This remarkable feat, coupled with his genuine emotions, garnered him immense respect and admiration.

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Riley Herbst’s journey from a celebrated desert racing lineage to his first NASCAR national series win is a testament to his commitment. In Las Vegas, his hometown track, he carved his name in history with a dominating victory, showcasing his determination to make a name for himself.