“Money talks I guess”: Fans react as Riley Herbst officially joins Denny Hamlin-Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing "

Former Stewart-Haas Racing driver Riley Herbst will join 23XI Racing full-time in 2025 with Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick as teammates. After having graduated from the Xfinity Series, Herbst is getting ready to embark on his Cup Series career. Meanwhile, fans reacted to the recent announcement by the North Carolina-based outfit.

Two of Herbst’s career-total three wins at the Xfinity level came in 2024. His latest victory came in the championship race at Phoenix Raceway, leading 167 laps and passing series champion Justin Allgaier on the final restart. It was also the final victory for Stewart-Haas Racing as the team shut down its NASCAR operations post-championship weekend.

Herbst is expected to bring a sponsorship from Monster Energy and in doing so, he will be the third driver in the Cup Series and second in his team (the first being Reddick), flaunting a partnership with the $51.81 billion energy drink brand. 23XI Racing made the thrilling announcement on X and said,

“Welcome to the family #forwardtogether #teamtoyota”

Several fans reacted to the same, with one suggesting that tabbing Riley Herbst to drive the No. 35 Toyota Camry for 23XI Racing was just a waste of opportunity.

“Such a waste of a top tier ride. Money talks I guess,” the fan said.

Another fan reckoned that Herbst’s entry into the team was solely because of his backing from Monster Energy.

“This really is just for the monster money unfortunately,” they said.

Here are some other reactions to the announcement:

“A horrific choice. No doubt this pick was only about the money he brings with him. Pay-to-Play is ruining the Cup Series,” said a fan.

“I’m starting to lose faith in @23XIRacing,” said another.

“Daddy bought his son a chance in cup after finally figuring out how to use his top tier equipment after 4-5 years. 23XI gonna be a lame duck next year and he only got signed for the monster $. Don't matter that both 23XI had them for long term sponsors,” someone commented.

There are plenty of uncertainties about 23XI Racing’s future given its ongoing legal battle with NASCAR. Herbst joining the 23XI roster is indeed big news amid all the speculation about the outcome of the same.

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“I'm excited about adding to their legacy in NASCAR”- Riley Herbst breaks silence on his upcoming ride

Riley Herbst during the Championship race at Phoenix Raceway - Source: Imagn

Monster Energy and NASCAR have been working hand-in-hand for quite some time now. The energy drink brand created by Hansel Natural Company in 2002 has been the title sponsor of the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series from 2017 to 2019.

Furthermore, Monster Energy sponsors Ty Gibbs of Joe Gibbs Racing and, as mentioned earlier, served as the primary sponsor for Tyler Reddick at Bristol, Kansas, Nashville, and Charlotte during the 2024 season. Elated at the prospect of carrying the brand legacy into 23XI Racing, Herbst said (via Forbes),

“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,” he added.

Riley Herbst’s No. 35 ride will honor the retired NBA legend Michael Jordan, who also co-owns 23XI Racing. As per reports, Jordan wore the No. 35 jersey while playing for the Scottsdale Scorpions in the 1994 Arizona Fall League.