What’s Happening?

23XI Racing is among the most interesting teams in the NASCAR Silly Season. Multiple reports indicate they are in line to purchase one of Stewart-Haas Racing’s three open charters. Someone has to drive that third car; these are the names to watch.

• 23XI Racing is one of the newest and most aggressive teams in NASCAR. They joined the Cup Series in 2021 and have since become a threat to win every week, including making the Round of 8 with Tyler Reddick in 2023.
• There are two definite candidates for this ride. However, one more driver could be a “Wild card” candidate.
• Fans follow 23XI Racing very closely. This is potentially the top ride available in Silly Season, and whoever gets this ride can win races.

Riley Herbst

Riley Herbst is looking for his next step as Stewart-Haas Racing is shutting down at the end of the season. While returning to Gene Haas and the new Haas Factory Team could happen, sources have told us that Herbst is a candidate for 23XI Racing. He brings a lot of funding but only has one Xfinity Series win in his first 158 starts.

From a performance standpoint, this might not be the most exciting choice. However, Herbst has the funding, and he’s been far from a bad Xfinity Series driver. He also has a connection with Monster Energy, which sponsors 23XI.

Corey Heim

Corey Heim is Toyota’s top young prospect. He has nine Truck Series wins in his first 53 starts and 29 top-10s in his last 34 starts. However, he is in only his third season in the series, so it might be one year too soon for him to hop up to the Cup Series.

Toyota supports Heim, evidenced by his Xfinity Series and Cup Series opportunities this season. He will eventually be in the Cup Series, and Toyota wants it to be with them. Will it be next year with 23XI Racing?

Erik Jones

While Heim and Herbst are the two most obvious candidates, Erik Jones is the other Toyota driver to watch. Bob Pockrass reports that Jones is examining his options for 2025, even though Legacy Motor Club would have him back. 23XI Racing is easily the best potential ride for him left, and it could give him another opportunity with a top team.

He spent three seasons with Joe Gibbs Racing, winning two races but never finishing above 15th in points. That could keep 23XI from jumping to Jones, especially if there are other candidates they could search for.

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