Riley Herbst’s NASCAR career is entering a new phase as he joins Legacy Motor Club in the Cup Series for the 2027 season. This move follows his release from 23XI Racing earlier in 2026, where, despite being teammates with proven winners Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace, Herbst struggled to make a significant impact. Since starting his NASCAR journey in 2018, Herbst has achieved limited success with only three wins in the second-tier O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and three top-10 finishes in 61 Cup Series starts with 23XI, making his promotion somewhat surprising.

Legacy Motor Club is expanding to a three-car operation in 2027 after finally securing a coveted third charter for around $150 million, a significant investment that ended a legal dispute with Rick Ware Racing. Herbst is set to drive the No. 84 car, a number previously driven by Jimmie Johnson, the team's co-owner and seven-time NASCAR champion, who will retire following the 2027 Daytona 500. This expansion opens up seats for other drivers like Josh Berry amid John Hunter Nemechek’s unexpected departure, marking a fresh start for the team.

Herbst credits his growth in the sport to learning alongside top talent and strong mentorship at 23XI Racing, viewing his earlier Cup stint as an expensive course in becoming a better driver. He emphasizes asking questions and absorbing knowledge from teammates and team owners like Denny Hamlin as key to his development. Despite a modest record, Herbst is optimistic about Legacy’s upward trajectory, noting improvements within the team, support from manufacturers, and new facilities that could foster competitive progress.

Crucially, Herbst’s move to Legacy Motor Club carries significant backing from Monster Energy, a sponsor that has supported him since 2019 and is bringing substantial funding to the team. This financial partnership appears pivotal in securing his ride, as demonstrated by Monster Energy’s promotional presence in the announcement. The multi-year deal offers Herbst not only a fresh opportunity to prove himself but also aligns him with a growing and well-resourced team led by his childhood hero, Jimmie Johnson, signaling a hopeful new chapter despite past challenges.