Bubba Wallace Names Riley Herbst His “Best Teammate Ever”

23XI Racing’s Bubba Wallace named Riley Herbst as the best teammate he has ever had despite racing with the likes of Tyler Reddick and Kurt Busch.

Bubba Wallace Names Riley Herbst His “Best Teammate Ever”

Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace and Riley Herbst (via beyondtheflag.com)

The 2025 season saw 23XI Racing making some huge changes to their team and one of them was the controversial decision to sign Riley Herbst as their third driver, overlooking development driver Corey Heim. He was given the opportunity to driver alongside Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, mainly due to the millions he brought it with Monster Energy sponsorship.

But the youngster has failed to take advantage of the seat, inviting massive criticism. In his rookie year he failed to secure a single top-10 finish and had an average of P26. 2026 so far hasn’t been much different, as with an average of P21, he is currently 26th in the points table. That’s one of the key reasons why 23XI has announced that Heim will replace Herbst for the 2027 season.

The announcement has intensified the criticism of the young racer and that has made No:23 driver Wallace to speak up for his teammate. On his appearance on the Door Bumper Clear podcast, alongside the No:35 TRD driver, he gave the credit where it’s due by naming him the best teammate he has ever had.

This is your second year, right? And you’ve been dealt an incredibly difficult hand, but I’m going to give you your flowers. Best teammate I’ve ever had. And this isn’t s*** on Riley or Tyler.

Bubba Wallace said via Door Bumper Clear podcast.

It’s surprising take considering Bubba Wallace has been Cup teammates with Kurt Busch and Tyler Reddick. He called Riley Herbst the best, not because of his racing but because of his attitude towards disappointing runs. The youngster has an unparallel ability to remain chill even during tough times, showing how the racer has his emotions in check.

Best teammate I’ve ever had because Riley’s had a lot of bad days and you would never know it. He’s like, ‘Oh, on to the next one.’ And I’m like, I’m pissed off that he’s not even mad. I’m like, God almighty…Yeah, it’s incredible to see just how he can just let things go and focus on the next week and try to be better

Bubba Wallace added.
RELATED
“He’s Creating a Lot of Enemies!” Bubba Wallace Gives Carson Hocevar a Brutal Reality Check

Bubba Wallace explains how the third 23XI Racing seat was really hard for Riley Herbst

Later, the veteran racer tried to explain why Riley Herbst had it tough from day one in the Cup Series. He came into 23XI at a time they were growing from all the side, and got a crew that was less experienced working together as him. It was tough situation to manage even for a veteran.

Riley Herbst (via Imagn)
Riley Herbst (via Imagn)

I mean, he came in to when 23XI is continuing to climb. Here’s a seat, rookie. Figure it out. It’s so f***ing hard, man.

Bubba Wallace said.

Further talking about the point, the racer pointed out the hard work will payoff for the young driver in the coming years. The racer also advised Herbst to avoid the listening to haters and focus on his racing career.

No matter who you are, it’s so hard to see the efforts come through and to see the hard work pay off for a good kid. It’s really cool to see. So, I’m going to give you your flowers, dawg. F*** what everybody else says.

Bubba Wallace added.

The comments from Wallace shows his respect for the young driver and how he really wants the racer to find his way back to the top in NASCAR, in coming years. It would be interesting to see which team would sign the racer for the 2027 season.

Also Read: Christopher Bell to Race at Pocono Despite Wrist Injury After Chase Elliott Wreck