Indianapolis, Indiana – Riley Herbst is about to take a giant step in his NASCAR career as he prepares for his first-ever Cup Series race at the legendary Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS). The Las Vegas native will make his debut in the Brickyard 400, driving the No. 35 Toyota Camry for 23XI Racing, with hopes of building on the momentum from his Xfinity Series success. This marks a new chapter in Herbst’s racing journey, as he transitions from defending victories in the Xfinity Series to attempting to carve out his place on the biggest stage in stock car racing.
Herbst is no stranger to IMS. Last year, he made a memorable appearance on the famous 2.5-mile oval when he won his first-ever Xfinity Series race at the iconic track. However, this time around, his role has shifted significantly. Rather than defending a victory, he will be aiming to make a name for himself in the Cup Series and build upon the potential that has propelled him into this new opportunity. It’s a thrilling prospect, and Herbst is relishing the chance to return to the Speedway and embrace the unique atmosphere that IMS offers.
“I’m excited to go back to Indianapolis,” Herbst said, reflecting on his upcoming appearance. “I love the atmosphere and the city and all the fans there. It’s a really cool and unique aspect for our sport to go to.”
He continued to express how this race is special, emphasizing the importance of experiencing the race at the famed Brickyard and reliving the memories he created during last year’s visit. “Obviously, it’s going to be a different scenario in the Brickyard 400 and how cool that’s going to be, living out a childhood memory. Going there and taking in all the scenes and all the sights that I did last year as well.”
Herbst’s confidence heading into this Cup Series debut is grounded in his performance on the IMS oval in the Xfinity Series. His victory at IMS last season marked a major turning point in his career. It not only showcased his potential but also served as a stepping stone that helped propel him into the Cup Series. Winning at the Speedway was a dream come true for the young driver, and it gave him the kind of exposure and momentum that can propel a driver’s career forward.
“I just remember how great of a race it was, especially the last lap,” Herbst said, recalling his win. “Just getting to race at Indy is a dream come true, and I got to win my first race there, so that was super special.”
In the 2023 Xfinity Series race, Herbst started second in the No. 98 Monster Energy Ford and managed to hold off Stewart-Haas Racing teammate Cole Custer by a slim margin of .167 seconds to capture the victory in the Pennzoil 250 presented by Advance Auto Parts. The race was a thriller, with a heated battle for the lead in the final laps. Herbst and Custer had exchanged the lead several times, with Custer initially building a significant advantage before Herbst mounted a determined charge to close the gap.
On the last lap, Herbst dove under Almirola, who had surged into the lead after a daring move on the previous lap. The final lap saw a nail-biting battle between Herbst and Custer, with the two racing side-by-side for the top spot. As they approached the final turns, Herbst pulled off a brilliant move to take the lead, ultimately crossing the finish line to secure the win.
“This is Indianapolis,” Herbst remarked after the victory. “This is the most famous racetrack in the world, and it’s an honor just to walk into the place, let alone win.”
The win not only elevated Herbst’s stock in the NASCAR world but also made history. It was his second career Xfinity Series victory, but more importantly, it cemented his reputation as a driver capable of performing under pressure and competing at the highest levels. That victory was especially sweet because it came on the historic IMS oval, a track that has long been synonymous with motorsports excellence.
With that victory behind him, Herbst is now stepping up to the Cup Series, and his mindset has shifted. The Brickyard 400 is a whole new challenge, and the stakes are higher than ever. Herbst will face off against the best drivers in the sport, but he enters the race with the confidence that his previous experience at IMS has prepared him well. Having already competed at the track in an Xfinity car, Herbst has a better understanding of the challenges that lie ahead and the nuances of the track, which will be valuable as he makes his Cup Series debut.
The Brickyard 400 marks an important milestone in Herbst’s career, and it’s clear that the 23-year-old driver is ready to rise to the occasion. “I’m really looking forward to this opportunity,” he said. “It’s a huge chance for me to show what I can do in the Cup Series and continue to build on the momentum I’ve gained in the Xfinity Series. I’ve always dreamed of racing in the Cup Series, and now that I’m finally here, I want to make the most of it.”
The Brickyard 400 is one of NASCAR’s crown jewel events, and Herbst’s participation in the race adds another layer of excitement for fans. It also provides an opportunity for Herbst to showcase his talents to a larger audience and prove that he belongs at the highest level of the sport. Fans who have followed his career since his Xfinity days are eager to see how he fares in the Cup Series and are excited to watch him compete at IMS once again.
Herbst’s transition to the Cup Series has been a gradual one. After earning three wins in the Xfinity Series – including that emotional victory at IMS – he was promoted to the Cup Series for the 2025 season. It’s a big step up, but Herbst is confident in his ability to compete and perform at this level. His transition to the top tier of NASCAR will also serve as a testament to the development of young drivers and the potential for newcomers to make an impact on the sport.
As Herbst takes on the challenge of racing in the Cup Series, the Brickyard 400 will serve as a significant moment in his career. Whether or not he can add a Cup victory to his list of accomplishments remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Riley Herbst is a driver to watch, and the upcoming race at IMS is poised to be another step in his promising NASCAR journey.
Herbst’s return to Indianapolis Motor Speedway is more than just a race. It’s an opportunity to continue his growth as a driver, honor the legacy of his past victories, and make new memories at one of the most iconic venues in motorsports. The energy around his debut in the Cup Series is palpable, and all eyes will be on the young driver as he attempts to make his mark on NASCAR’s biggest stage.
