Riley Dederick Kern Herbst Bio
Riley Dederick Kern Herbst (born February 24, 1999) is an American professional stock car racing driver. He competes full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, driving the No. 35 Toyota Camry XSE for 23XI Racing. Herbst has earned recognition for his versatility across multiple NASCAR series and off-road racing disciplines.
Early Life and Background
Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, Riley Herbst grew up in a family deeply rooted in motorsports, particularly off-road racing. His father, Troy Herbst, and other family members have been active participants in desert racing events such as the Baja 500 and Baja 1000. This environment fostered his early interest in racing.
Herbst began racing karts at the age of five and progressed through various racing categories including legends cars, Speed Trucks, and Super Late Models. By 2015, he was competing weekly at Irwindale Speedway, where he won the Speed Trucks championship. His early exposure to competitive racing laid a strong foundation for his professional career.
Path to NASCAR
Herbst’s transition to NASCAR began with participation in regional series, including NASCAR East and West series races in 2016. His talent was recognized when he was named to the 2018 NASCAR Next class, highlighting him as a promising young driver. That same year, he made his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut with Joe Gibbs Racing at Iowa Speedway.
He steadily climbed the ranks, splitting driving duties in the Xfinity Series before securing full-time roles. His early achievements included winning the ARCA Racing Series Rookie of the Year award in 2017 and a race win at Pocono Raceway. These accomplishments helped establish Herbst as a competitive presence in stock car racing.
Riley Herbst Career
Early Career (2017–2018)
Herbst began his professional career in 2017 driving full-time in the ARCA Racing Series for Joe Gibbs Racing. He earned one race win at Pocono and finished seventh in the final standings, securing the Rookie of the Year title. This period marked his emergence as a rising talent in stock car racing.
In 2018, Herbst made his NASCAR Camping World Truck Series debut with Kyle Busch Motorsports, finishing eighth at Gateway Motorsports Park. He also competed in the Xfinity Series, gaining valuable experience and exposure in national NASCAR events.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Breakthrough (2018–2024)
Herbst’s Xfinity Series career progressed significantly from 2018 onward. After debuting with Joe Gibbs Racing, he split the No. 18 car with established drivers before taking over full-time in 2020. That year, he qualified for the playoffs and finished twelfth in points with multiple top-five and top-ten finishes.
In 2021, Herbst joined Stewart–Haas Racing, driving the No. 98 Ford. Despite a challenging start, he rebounded with strong performances including a fourth-place finish at Phoenix Raceway. The 2022 season was his best to date, with career highs in top-five and top-ten finishes.
Herbst secured his first Xfinity Series win at Las Vegas in 2023 and continued to demonstrate consistency with a streak of top-five finishes. In 2024, he won again at Indianapolis and finished seventh in the points standings, marking a significant milestone in his Xfinity career.
NASCAR Cup Series and 23XI Racing Era (2023–Present)
Herbst made his NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2023 with Rick Ware Racing, driving the No. 15 Ford at the Daytona 500. He impressed by finishing tenth despite involvement in a late-race crash, becoming one of five drivers in NASCAR history to score top-ten finishes in their first Cup, Xfinity, and Truck Series starts.
Throughout 2023 and 2024, Herbst competed in select Cup Series races with Rick Ware Racing and Front Row Motorsports, achieving his best finish of ninth at Talladega Superspeedway. In November 2024, 23XI Racing announced Herbst would drive the No. 35 Toyota Camry full-time for the 2025 season, continuing his partnership with sponsor Monster Energy.
His 2025 season started with a seventeenth-place finish at the Daytona 500. Despite struggles and no top-ten finishes, Herbst maintained consistent top-twenty results and finished 35th in the final standings. The season included a notable disqualification for failing post-race inspection at the Charlotte Roval.
Driving Style and Strengths
Herbst is known for his adaptability across various track types and racing formats. His race craft includes strong late-race positioning and strategic drafting, particularly on superspeedways. His partnership with teams like Stewart–Haas Racing and 23XI Racing has helped refine his technical skills and race strategies.
Notable Races and Milestones
Herbst’s debut top-ten finish at the 2023 Daytona 500 stands out as a career highlight. His first Xfinity Series win at Las Vegas and subsequent victory at Indianapolis demonstrate his growth as a competitor. Additionally, his performances at Talladega, including a near-win in 2023, showcase his prowess on high-speed tracks.
Riley Herbst Career Wins
Riley Herbst has accumulated wins across multiple racing disciplines, including stock car and off-road racing. His victories in the ARCA Racing Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series, and off-road events highlight his versatility and competitive edge.
ARCA Racing Series Highlights
In 2017, Herbst won a race at Pocono Raceway while competing full-time in the ARCA Racing Series. This victory contributed to his Rookie of the Year award and established him as a promising young driver in stock car racing.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Highlights
Herbst’s first Xfinity Series win came at Las Vegas in 2023, followed by a victory at Indianapolis in 2024. These wins were part of strong seasons marked by multiple top-five and top-ten finishes, solidifying his status as a consistent front-runner in the series.
Other Wins & Performances
Herbst has also excelled in off-road racing, winning the Baja 1000 Trophy Truck Spec class in 2023 and 2024 alongside family members. His background in desert racing complements his stock car career and reflects his diverse racing skill set.
Riley Herbst Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Herbst comes from a family with a rich history in off-road racing. His father Troy, grandfather Jerry, and uncles Ed and Tim have all competed in prominent desert races. The family was inducted into the Southern Nevada Sports Hall of Fame in 2014, underscoring their impact on the sport.
Personal Life
Details about Herbst’s personal life, including marital status and residence, are private. His family owns the Terrible Herbst company, a well-known business in the Las Vegas area. Herbst maintains an active presence on social media, engaging with fans and sponsors.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Riley Herbst began his first full-time season in the NASCAR Cup Series with 23XI Racing. Despite a promising start at the Daytona 500, he faced challenges throughout the year, including a lack of top-ten finishes and a disqualification at the Charlotte Roval. Herbst finished 35th in the final standings, reflecting a season of growth and adaptation at the highest level of stock car racing.
His partnership with 23XI Racing and sponsor Monster Energy continues to provide a platform for development. The experience gained in 2025 is expected to contribute to improved performances in future seasons.
