“I don’t know how people can discredit me now”: Riley Herbst didn’t mince words following his 23XI Racing deal with Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin

23XI Racing's latest hiring Riley Herbst clapped back at his critics during a recent media availability. It was announced on November 20 that the former Stewart-Haas Racing Xfinity Series driver had inked a deal with Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin's co-owned venture.

Herbst spoke against the criticism he'd received and how his wins weren't deemed legitimate by his detractors. The 25-year-old mentioned that critics considered his first win a 'fluke' and his second victory didn't count due to a 'weird package.' He also expressed eagerness to see what his haters have in the bag amid his 23XI deal.

The future driver of Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin-owned team didn't mince words about those who downplayed his domination and said (via SpeedFreaks):

"A lot of people, I'm not going to say names but a lot of people will say that, 'X driver is the future of the sport,' and now I have the same number of wins as him. So I don't know how people can discredit me now," Riley Herbst said (0:52).

23XI Racing is under an active lawsuit against NASCAR as they alleged the organization of anticompetitive practices. They also filed a preliminary injunction to race in 2025 as chartered teams but the court has denied that motion. It created uncertainty about how 23XI Racing will go about the upcoming season.

Moreover, the team's expansion and Riley Herbst's contract have created a buzz in the community, considering the charter turmoil surrounding Jordan and Hamlin.

---

Riley Herbst opens up on his "goal" amid 23XI Racing contract

Herbst has been in NASCAR for multiple seasons. The Nevada native has contested in a handful of Cup Series races, and much of his achievements have been etched in the National Series. In 2020, he began his rookie season under Joe Gibbs Racing's banner and moved to Tony Stewart's team the following year.

Since then, he has fielded the #98 Ford for four straight seasons. However, amid SHR's shutdown, Herbst became a free agent in the driver market. He registered his best Xfinity season, recording two wins and wrapping up ranked 7. But he was without a seat in any Series, jeopardizing his future.

But as 23XI Racing expanded to a third car -the #35 Toyota, they tapped Riley Herbst to partner alongside Tyler Reddick in the #45 and Bubba Wallace in the #23 Camry.

During a media availability following his freshly inked deal, the #35 Toyota driver said that racing in NASCAR's Premier Level has been his goal since the day he entered NASCAR. The three-time NXS race winner elaborated (via NASCAR):

“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.”

From his eight Cup starts for Rick Ware Racing and Front Row Motorsports, Riley Herbst bested a ninth-place finish at the 2023 Talladega fall race.