Stewart Haas Racing will sell their charters as they conclude their journey in the Cup Series together. Both Tony Stewart and Gene Haas have different plans for the future, with the former spending time with family and the latter making his way to the Xfinity series. As SHR bids goodbye to NASCAR, 23XI Racing is interested in increasing its charters. Looking at the fact that SHR is selling, Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan have decided to take on one of the charters. Now that brings up the question: who will be driving for them?
So far, not too many names are being thrown around as to who will drive 23XI Racing’s new car. Yet, a few have cut the mustard. So far, Corey Heim and Riley Herbst are being shortlisted, with FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass claiming the latter is the top candidate for the third car.
This comes about as Herbst is sponsored by Monster Energy, which already has a relationship with the team. Tyler Reddick from 23XI Racing is already funded by Monster, which makes it easier for Herbst to fit into the team.
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While many believe that Riley Herbst is a suitable option, fans of Corey Heim are unhappy with Pockrass’ prediction. Corey Heim has been performing quite well in the Xfinity and Truck series, as he even claimed a victory at the CRC BRACKLEEN 150. Over the past 2 seasons, Heim has gone ahead to get the title of being a prodigy, as he has impressed fans with his performance of mostly finishing in the top 10, if not the top 5.
So when fans heard that Riley Herbst is being rumored to join 23XI Racing, they couldn’t help but take to the comments section to share their thoughts.
Fans share their discontent with Riley Herbst being touted for 23XI Racing
After Bob Pockrass explained Riley Herbst’s ties with Monster Energy, fans started comprehending why this was a possible option. While Herbst is a suitable fit for the team, fans still believe that Corey Heim fits like a duck to water. This one fan acknowledges that it’s “stupid” that they did not go with Corey, as their comment read, “Ok, now this honestly makes more sense, but they’d be so stupid to give up Corey. I like them both, but come on, Corey is miles ahead.”
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Many others believe the team should hire Corey Heim, as the deal has not been announced publicly. Based on what the FOX Sports insider said, there is a chance that Riley Herbst becomes the choice; however, it’s getting more clear how much fans prefer Heim. Their comment was simple, as it read, “Should be Corey Heim.”
“It should go to Corey Heim,” said another fan, echoing the sentiment of having him in the cup series with 23XI Racing. Corey Heim’s performance has been nothing short of jaw-dropping. In the truck series, winning multiple races has made him a household name, as NASCAR fans would love to see him make it to the Cup series.
“WHY????? He’s going to do terrible,” said one fan who did not directly mention they wanted Corey Heim on the team but made it clear that they were not fans of Herbst. Comparing the seasons the two drivers have, it is clear that Heim is the more successful driver, as he delivers results that have made fans want to see him in the 23XI Racing car.
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“The classic story of money over talent” was what one fan believed, as they think that the Monster Energy deal is the main factor in the decision over actually going for the faster driver. While that might not be the case, most fans believe Heim should have gotten the NASCAR promotion.
Do you agree with the general voice in the NASCAR community? Is Corey Heim a better choice than Riley Herbst, according to you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.