23XI Racing has confirmed its expansion plans for the 2025 season, adding a third full-time entry to the NASCAR Cup Series with Riley Herbst behind the wheel. Herbst will drive the No. 35 Toyota Camry, sponsored by Monster Energy, and will be joined by crew chief Davin Restivo, who has previously worked with Herbst in the Xfinity Series at Stewart-Haas Racing.
“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 expressed.
Herbst’s Transition to the Cup Series
The 2025 season will mark Herbst’s first full year in the Cup Series, though he has made eight starts over the last two seasons while continuing his career in the Xfinity Series. With three wins in 175 Xfinity starts, Herbst has spent five full seasons in the series.
“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," said Steve Lauletta, team president of 23XI Racing.
Team Structure and Charter Status
Herbst will join teammates Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace at 23XI Racing. However, no official announcement has been made regarding a charter for the No. 35 car, as 23XI Racing is still in litigation with NASCAR over the 2025 charter agreement. The team intends to purchase a charter from Stewart-Haas Racing, but the sale has yet to be finalized.
Additionally, 23XI Racing, through its lead attorney Jeffrey Kessler, confirmed on November 16 that the team would be able to race as an open team in 2025, as NASCAR has removed the anticompetitive release requirement in the open agreement. Despite this, 23XI Racing is still pursuing its appeal of the preliminary injunction to race as a charter team next year.
