Riley Herbst could be Kevin Harvick’s successor if he proves himself in the 2023 Daytona 500 entry
Riley Herbst was the 2017 ARCA Racing Series Rookie of the Year.
Riley Herbst
Rick Ware Racing has announced that Stewart Hass Racing’s Xfinity series driver Riley Herbst will drive the No:15 Ford Mustang at Daytona 500. The entry will mark his Cup series debut. With Kevin Harvick retiring at the end of the season, Herbst can land a cup ride by proving his capability on the national series.
The Ford driver associated with Kevin Harvick Inc. has locked in for the final race as he will be racing in RWR full-time alongside Cody Ware. The 2023 season is vital for the 24 years old, as he will have stiff competition from Cole Custer, who was demoted to the Xfinity series and will be chasing redemption.
Herbst, who is yet to win a NASCAR race, produced his career-best performance in 2022 for SHR, scoring a P10 finish in the point table. From his 109 starts in the series, 2 of which he started on pole, Herbst has 54 top 10s and 17 top 5s. A winless season in 2023 will not favor his Cup dream pursuit.
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Riley Herbst is ready to lead the team to the victory lane
The race is significant for Riley Herbst as he is making his debut in the race of his dreams. He said, “As a kid, you always dream of being able to race in the Daytona 500, and I’m able to accomplish that with Rick Ware Racing. It’s such a big event, and for it to be my first Cup start will be a crazy experience,”.
Herbst will be using the opportunity to learn whatever he can from the RWR crew and potentially have a shot at the win. He said, “I’m appreciative to RWR for this opportunity. They’re a team that has a lot of experience in the NASCAR Cup Series, so it’ll be a chance to learn. The Fords have been fast in the Daytona 500 the last few years, and their teamwork has helped them find victory lane,”.
He also looks forward to learning from the Ford Cup driver line-up that will race alongside him in Florida. Herbst said, “I’m hoping to lean on and learn from the other Ford drivers throughout the week as I get more comfortable in the Next Gen car and prepare for the Great American Race,”.
RWR owner Rick Ware who is marking his 40th year in motorsports, is pleased with giving the young driver his maiden Cup race opportunity. He said, “It’s great to have Riley making his first NASCAR Cup Series start with RWR and be a part of the next step in his career. We are very pleased to partner with Harvest Hill Beverage Company and promote its SunnyD brand on our No. 15 Ford Mustang in such an incredible event,”.
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