23XI Racing isn’t going to let a lawsuit put a halt on their expansion plans. There had been rumors about the team expanding to a three-car driver lineup for the 2025 season, and it seems like those rumors have finally come true.

Taking to the social media handles, the 23XI Racing team shared a cryptic video post about their new driver. The caption of the post had an emoji of a clock along with the reveal date of 11/20/2024. While the driver’s face wasn’t revealed, the fans in the comments section spoiled the surprise as they were able to identify the new driver for 23XI. Going by the comments, most of them agreed that this was Riley Herbst, who had long been linked with the team.

Herbst was on the hunt for a new ride after Stewart Haas Racing shut down its racing operations. While the Haas Factory team has replaced SHR’s place in the Xfinity Series, they made new signings in Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer. The NASCAR lawsuit did somewhat stall his announcement, but it looks like Riley Herbst is finally getting his promotion to the Cup Series.

Riley Herbst is a big statement for the team. Herbst made his mark in the Xfinity Series recently at the Phoenix race. As Justin Allgaier made a last-ditch charge to ensure his title win, he found himself in a heated battle against Herbst who gave no quarter. Perhaps it was this fight that gave 23XI the confidence they needed to sign Herbst. Additionally, Herbst’s host of sponsors that include Monster Energy are a big bonus for 23XI, especially as they face the prospect of racing as an open team for 2025.

Although the cat was out of the bag, not everybody was pleased with 23XI Racing’s decision to onboard Herbst as their third driver. There were a few who felt that his sponsorship with Monster propelled his move to the Cup Series. On the other hand, a section of fans even suggested the options that 23XI Racing missed out on that could’ve served them well.

Fans left divided on 23XI Racing roping in Riley Herbst

Well, let’s just say 23XI could’ve done a better job at concealing Herbst’s identity in the teaser video. All it took for the fans was one look with the pop of the bright red taillight, and they cracked the code. Highlighting the aspect that gave away the driver’s identity, a fan wrote, “I’d recognize those ears anywhere.” Adding to this, another one replied, “There’s no way you posted this and expect us to think anyone other than Riley Herbst.”

Meanwhile, this announcement does come at an interesting time when 23XI Racing is trying to get an injunction from the US Appeals Court. Last time around, when their plea was denied, the judge highlighted the current circumstances didn’t prove the team would be dealt irreparable harm. Well, now that they’ve announced a new driver, this could go against them in court, according to this race fan. “Well this probably doesn’t help your injunction.” 

Throughout his five-year stint as a full-time driver in the Xfinity Series, Herbst has only managed three wins so far. He’s not one of the most consistent drivers in the series and isn’t talked about when it comes to championship contention. 23XI Racing certainly made a wise call in signing Tyler Reddick, who is a former Xfinity Series champ, but they just might have made a mistake with their recent signing. “Literally signed one of the worst drivers in xfinity. 3 wins in 7 seasons in top tier equipment. Sad to see nascar teams make so little that they resort to signing drivers with money, rather drivers with talent,” a fan added.

Speaking of alternatives to Herbst, Corey Heim from the Truck Series could’ve been a good option. In just 64 races, he has amassed 11 wins to his name, and unlike Riley, he is an ideal candidate who competes for not only race wins but titles as well. In fact, he barely missed out on his maiden championship and finished second to Ty Majeski at Phoenix. Highlighting this comparison, a user on X argued, “The fact that they sign Herbest instead of Heim rubs me the wrong way.”

Like Hailie Deegan, Herbst is also backed by Monster Energy Drink. Now we all know how Deegan’s rookie season ended in a disaster with AM Racing ultimately forcing her out of the sport. As above mentioned, Herbst isn’t a complete driver to depend on for race wins and championships. But as far as sponsorship money goes, he is certainly stacked, and this has opened the door for him to compete at Cup level. “After almost half a decade in xfinity, being awful and finally “improving” (performing the bare minimum in top equipment if you wanna call that improvement), he gets rewarded with a 23XI cup ride, amazing how this sport works!”

Although this announcement is all but confirmed, this move by 23XI Racing shows us that they are prepared to race next year despite their legal dispute with NASCAR.