Riley Herbst, a 25-year-old NASCAR driver, is making the leap to the Cup Series with 23XI Racing in 2025, piloting the No. 35 Monster Energy Toyota. This move follows his impressive victory at the Phoenix Raceway season finale, where he led 167 laps in his final Xfinity Series race.

The transition comes after Stewart-Haas Racing's closure announcement, leading Herbst to secure what he considers "the best spot possible" with 23XI Racing. He's particularly impressed by the team's world-class Airspeed race shop and its advanced technological approach to NASCAR racing.

Key aspects of Herbst's move include:

• Bringing his crew chief Davin Restivo to the Cup Series
• Returning to Toyota Racing after previous experience with the manufacturer
• Receiving mentorship from Kevin Harvick
• Joining teammates Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace

Herbst approaches his rookie Cup season with realistic expectations, focusing on completing laps and continuous learning. His experience from eight previous Cup races provides some foundation, though he acknowledges the significant step up in competition level.

The young driver's momentum is strong, coming off a successful Xfinity Series career and a recent victory in the Trophy Truck Spec classification at the Baja 1000, continuing his family's racing legacy that dates back to the 1960s.

Looking ahead to 2025, Herbst emphasizes the importance of steady progression and maintaining a strong mindset through the demanding Cup Series schedule, backed by Monster Energy's continued support throughout his racing journey.

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