Riley Herbst’s racing journey is a masterclass in versatility. Whether it’s navigating the high-stakes pressure of NASCAR or tackling the untamed terrain of Baja California, the Tony Stewart star has an uncanny ability to rise to the occasion. Fresh off a career-defining win in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Herbst found himself trading race tracks for rugged trails, teaming up with family to tackle one of the most demanding off-road races in the world.

But as thrilling as his recent success has been, Herbst’s story is far from straightforward. With Stewart-Haas Racing shutting its doors and a potential move to the NASCAR Cup Series hanging in the balance, the Las Vegas native has been navigating not just challenging racecourses but also a whirlwind of career uncertainty. Yet, against this backdrop of change, Herbst has continued to find ways to make his mark in motorsport.

Riley Herbst’s back-to-back Baja win

Riley Herbst capped off an unforgettable week by going back-to-back in the Baja 1000 SCORE Trophy Truck Spec Class. Just days after clinching a dramatic NASCAR Xfinity Series season finale win at Phoenix Raceway, Herbst swapped asphalt for desert terrain, teaming up with his family to conquer one of motorsport’s most grueling challenges.

Tony Stewart’s star was part of the No. 219 Terrible Herbst Motorsports truck team, which not only claimed victory in the Trophy Truck Spec Class but also finished an impressive sixth overall among 183 entries. “Back 2 Back Baja 1000 champs!!” Herbst celebrated on X. “So much fun racing with my family down in Mexico. Been coming here since I was a kid watching!”

While Riley Herbst logged plenty of time behind the wheel, it was his cousin Thor Herbst who delivered the truck across the finish line, securing a win by just over nine minutes. Thor, only 24, came into the event leading the 2024 SCORE Trophy Truck Spec Class standings, making the victory a cherry on top of his strong season.

Herbst’s week of triumphs has been bittersweet, though, as his NASCAR future remains uncertain. After Stewart-Haas Racing’s closure, Herbst turned down a return offer to the new Haas Factory Team in the Xfinity Series.

Still, Herbst is making the most of the moment. With a trophy from Phoenix and another from Baja, he’s proving he can thrive both on and off the track. “No matter where I’m racing, I just love to compete,” Herbst said recently. And compete he has, leaving fans eager to see what’s next for the desert racer-turned-NASCAR star.

What’s in store for Riley Herbst in 2025?

Riley Herbst’s future might be a question mark, but his resolve to prove himself is crystal clear. After a stellar close to the Xfinity Series season with a victory at Phoenix, Herbst finds himself at a crossroads as Stewart-Haas Racing transitions into the Haas Factory Team for 2025.

Despite his growth and success with SHR over four seasons, the 25-year-old opted not to return to the rebranded team, seeking a path that aligns with his aspirations. While rumors swirled about a Cup Series seat with 23XI Racing, legal roadblocks have left his next move uncertain, creating an offseason filled with anticipation and speculation.b

Herbst, however, isn’t letting the unknown shake his confidence. Reflecting on his journey, he credited SHR for shaping him into the driver he is today, expressing gratitude for the mentorship of figures like Tony Stewart and Kevin Harvick.

Even with detractors questioning his place in the sport, Herbst’s self-assurance has only grown. His mindset is clear: every victory silences doubt and fuels his determination to succeed. Now, as he prepares for what’s next, Herbst remains focused on proving he’s ready to compete at the sport’s highest level.

What do you think Herbst will do in 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments below.