As NASCAR looks forward to 2025 and a new season, the annual Silly Season continues with the signing of two more drivers.
Xfinity Series regular Riley Herbst will move up to the Cup Series. Next year will see a bit change to the NASCAR lineup with the elimination of Stewart-Haas Racing after it shut down operations; but a number of owners are expanding and adding new teams.
Once such team is 23XI Racing who has signed Herbst to drive the number 35 car. Herbst will be joining Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick. Herbst will be bringing his primary sponsor “Monster Energy” along.
Herbst spoke on joining 23XI via statement saying, “it’s an honor to join 23XI and Toyota for the opportunity to race in the Cup Series each week. Racing full-time in the Cup Series has been my goal since I started in NASCAR and I’m excited to start my Cup career with such an accomplished and driven team. What 23XI has accomplished in a short time is impressive and I look forward to building on their success as the organization grows. It’s also great to continue representing Monster and I’m excited about adding to their legacy in NASCAR.”
Herbst has won three races in his five years in the Xfinity Series driving for Joe Gibbs Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing. He earned his first win last season in his home town of Las Vegas.
23XI team president Steve Lauletta spoke on the addition of Herbst saying, “as 23XI enters our fifth season next year, we felt the time was right to continue the growth of our organization by adding a third team, and Riley is a driver we think will be a great fit for us. We have a very solid foundation with both Bubba and Tyler, and we know they will be a great resource for Riley as he begins his journey in the Cup Series.”
Daniel Hemric returns to the Craftsman Truck Series after losing his ride at Kaulig Racing. Hemric will be driving the number 19 truck for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing. Christian Eckes vacated the truck and is moving on to the Xfinity Series next season.
Hemric spoke on joining MHR saying, “this is a great opportunity for me to compete for wins and chase another championship. Thanks to Bill McAnally, Bill Hilgemann, NAPA, Chevrolet and everyone involved for the opportunity. It’s a big milestone season to be a part of with NAPA’s 100th anniversary and the 35th year of Bill’s partnership with them. We’re going to do everything we can to get the NAPA Auto Care Chevrolet in Victory Lane and be in contention for a championship.”
MHR co-owner Bill McAnally added, “we’re looking forward to a big year and Daniel is the guy to pick up where we left off. The 2025 season will be a milestone year for us with NAPA’s centennial anniversary and our 35th year of partnership with them. This relationship started with my local store in California and progressed to the NAPA Sacramento DC and then to national level. To see what we’ve built over the years is incredibly special. Daniel has a wealth of experience in all three national series and can perform in the big moments, so we can’t wait to continue our team’s success with him behind the wheel.”