Another wave of Silly Season rumors has arrived to perplex NASCAR fans, this time placing a prominent Cup Series veteran at the center. Denny Hamlin, who was left frustrated after a chaotic Brickyard 400 race, found his focus somewhat shifted due to exciting developments at the Xfinity event in Indianapolis. Rising star Riley Herbst, from the struggling Stewart-Haas Racing team, impressed his followers with a stellar performance. Hamlin took notice, even suggesting through his praise that Herbst might be looking at a new seat in the future. Should Herbst move on, former AM Racing driver Hailie Deegan is rumored to take his spot, as suggested by a well-known NASCAR insider.
Controversial Host Backs Hamlin’s Hint
Stewart-Haas Racing has been facing tough times since Tony Stewart and Gene Haas announced in May that their 15-year-old NASCAR team would dissolve by the end of 2024. While most Cup Series drivers have secured future positions, Ryan Preece remains without a new team. In the Xfinity Series, Cole Custer has joined the Haas Factory Team, a scaled-down version of SHR. Meanwhile, Riley Herbst is still negotiating his future, with rumors suggesting he might join 23XI Racing next year. Following his second Xfinity career win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Hamlin posted a one-word comment, “Impressive,” on social media, further fueling speculation about Herbst’s promotion. This potential move aligns with comments made by a ‘Door Bumper Clear’ host regarding Deegan’s future.
On a recent DBC episode, Freddie Kraft discussed the potential seats at the Haas Factory Team. He mentioned rumors about Hailie Deegan, while co-host Casey Boat noted Riley Herbst’s situation. However, Kraft was skeptical about Herbst’s prospects, and Brett Griffin, known for his candid opinions, strongly doubted it. If Deegan’s fortunes improve under Gene Haas, Herbst might miss out on a seat but gain a significant career boost. Herbst has had a gradual rise in NASCAR, recently achieving notable successes, including three top-fives, four top-tens, and a victory at Indianapolis. His performances, along with his sponsorship by Monster Energy, which also sponsors Tyler Reddick, bolster his chances of securing a future seat. Additionally, his start with Joe Gibbs Racing, where Hamlin races, adds to the speculation. Thus, it’s no surprise that Hamlin, the owner of 23XI Racing, is seriously considering Herbst as a third driver.
The NASCAR community is equally thrilled about this potential deal, especially after Hamlin’s clever Twitter post. When Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan founded 23XI Racing, their goal was to have drivers who not only competed but also won races. Tyler Reddick has already secured three wins for the team and consistently challenges top drivers. Riley Herbst would be a valuable addition, as fans have expressed their admiration and support. One fan praised Herbst as an “awesome all-round wholesome young driver,” while another emphasized his skill, saying any team that signs Herbst is getting an exceptional driver.
Fans were also intrigued by Hamlin’s one-word tweet, which followed Herbst’s Indianapolis victory and ongoing speculation about his future. Many believed it was a clear sign of an impending Cup Series opportunity for Herbst. However, some were skeptical about the timing and Hamlin’s focus, with one fan questioning Herbst’s future performance and another suggesting Hamlin should concentrate on the Brickyard 400. Despite Hamlin’s frustrating race outcome, his endorsement of Herbst might pave the way for the young driver to join Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick at 23XI Racing next season.
