3 rookie drivers to watch in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series ft. Shane van Gisbergen

While the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series schedule has been set, some teams have yet to finalize their driver lineup. The 2025 season has only two confirmed rookies so far, who will be joined by several returning drivers, including Cole Custer.

The two confirmed rookies are Shane van Gisbergen and Riley Herbst. However, rumors say some unfamiliar faces could enter limited races in the premier series and one of them could be Corey Heim who might drive along with Herbst next year.

How would SVG, Herbst, and Heim possibly stack up against their competition in 2025? Let's find out.

Shane van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen may be a rookie but he is a veteran racecar driver, having won Australia's Supercars championship thrice. He also won his debut NASCAR Cup Series race at the Chicago street race, which gave him a good rep on road courses.

SVG will drive the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro for Trackhouse Racing. He will fill the new third seat on the team along with Daniel Suarez and Ross Chastain. The charter was acquired from Stewart-Haas Racing following its discontinuation this season.

Shane van Gisbergen secured the pole position at Watkins Glen this year - Source: Imagn

The New Zealander will enter the 2025 season after running several races this year with Kaulig Racing. His best finishes were on road courses, including a P2 finish at Watkins Glen where Chris Buescher took the lead from him on the final lap.

WeatherTech will sponsor Shane Van Gisbergen for the driver's first full-time season in the NASCAR Cup Series. His crew chief will be Stephen Doran, Zane Smith's former shot caller in the No. 71 Spire Motorsports team.

Shane van Gisbergen had three wins, seven top-5s, and 10 top-10s in the NASCAR Xfinity Series this year.

Riley Herbst

Riley Herbst is a 25-year-old professional stock car racing driver who will drive full-time as a rookie for 23XI Racing in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season. He will pilot the new and third car on the team, the No. 35 Toyota Camry XSE sponsored by Monster Energy.

Herbst previously drove for the No. 98 Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing. But as mentioned earlier, the team is now part of the history books and rebranded as Haas Factory Racing.

Riley Herbst won the Xfinity Series' Indianapolis Motor Speedway stop this year - Source: Imagn

During the 2024 Xfinity Series season, the Las Vegas native managed to reach the playoffs. He was eliminated after the Round of 12 along with future fellow Cup Series rookie Shane van Gisbergen.

Herbst ended the season with two wins, seven top-5s, and 15 top-10s.

For the 2025 rookie campaign, Herbst will team up with Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, who is fresh from a Championship 4 fight.

Corey Heim

While Corey Heim is bound for his first full-time drive in the Xfinity Series next year, reports suggest Heim could drive the rumored fourth Cup car at 23XI Racing.

Corey Heim qualified for the Championship 4 race this year - Source: Imagn

The 22-year-old will come off the heels of a strong season in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series where he ranked second, finishing second in the Championship 4 race behind Ty Majeski. He had six wins, 14 top-5s, and 18 top-10s this year.