Riley Herbst’s Nonchalant Approach to SHR’s Downfall Splits the NASCAR Community

While most of the Stewart Haas Racing drivers are concerned about their future in the Cup and Xfinity Series, Riley Herbst seems to be unfazed by the uncertainty of his career. He currently competes in the Xfinity Series under the SHR banner and going by his words, he might have just secured a deal for himself to continue competing in NASCAR.

This weekend at the Nashville Superspeedway, Herbst is all set for double duty. Alongside his commitment to race in Xfinity for SHR, he will also hop in the seat of the No. 98 Ford Mustang with Rick Ware Racing. Like most of the SHR drivers, he was also asked about his plans following SHR’s exit from NASCAR. And his reply certainly took everyone by surprise.

When asked about his preference to race in the Cup or Xfinity Series, the driver stated, “I think there’s a lot of things going on behind the scenes, but it’s not really just Riley Herbst, it’s Monster Energy as well. The biggest thing is trying to see what’s right for me, what’s right for Monster Energy … there’s a lot of options on the table, so we’re looking forward to everything and hearing everybody out.”

It has to be noted that Herbst is represented by KHI, and he is banking on his partners and mentors to guide him to find the best option. The silly season has absolutely been buzzing, and Herbst also found himself in the mix and was rumored to make a move in the Cup Series. However, the driver himself isn’t sure where he will land next season. “It’s all three series,” the driver replied when he was asked if a Cup Series move was on the cards.

As soon as Herbst made this comment, the fans started to make their own assumptions about where he would end up racing next season.

Front Row Motorsports, Wood Brother, or Rick Ware Racing, where is Riley Herbst headed?

It’s not a secret anymore that 23XI Racing has been rumored to add another charter. Although Corey Heim is one of the drivers speculated to take the seat of the new race team at 23XI, this fan had a contrasting view favoring Herbst as the next 23XI Racing driver. “I know I’m probably going to end up being wrong, but I still think the 23XII rumors for him are a smokescreen. I think he ends up full-time at Wood Brothers or RWR, with Heim going to 23XII’s third car.”

Rick Ware Racing, despite having two charters, only runs the No. 51, with Justin Haley on a full schedule. The No. 15 ride is shared by three drivers, Kaz Grala, Cody Ware, and Herbst. But the 15-car could run a full schedule next season with the SHR driver, according to his fan: “I’d put money on RWR wanting him in the 15 full time.”

WBR’s plan to land Chase Briscoe was foiled by JGR. Their attempts to sign Briscoe made it clear that they wanted to do away with Harrison Burton. Now that Riley has kept his option open, who knows if he could land at WBR next season? “Oh yeah? Well, I’m predicting Harrison Burton won’t return to the 21 next season! Lmao”.

However, not everyone was too keen to see Herbst advance to the Cup level, as they questioned his ability as a race car driver. Labeling him another rich kid trying to survive in NASCAR on his family’s money, a user added, “Proving once again that money is worth more than talent.”

Justin Haley hasn’t set the stage on fire with his performances this season with RWR, and therefore, adding just another mid-pack driver certainly wouldn’t help the team’s cause. At least this is what this fan believed, “Justin Haley and Riley Herbst definitely wouldn’t be the worst driver lineup in cup series”.

The good thing is that Stewart Haas Racing’s departure wouldn’t be a big issue for Riley Herbst, as he has multiple opportunities. But it will be intriguing to see if he advances to the Cup level or stays in the lower Xfinity or Truck Series.