LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Las Vegas native Riley Herbst is in his second full-time NASCAR Cup Series season, and he already has his sights set on what comes next.
Herbst is joining Legacy Motor Club, the team owned by seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, in 2027.
WATCH | Alex Eschelman talked with Herbst about joining Legacy Motor Club, as well as reflecting on Kyle Busch's impact on his career:
"Grateful to Legacy Motor Club, Monster Energy and Toyota for keeping me in this and hopefully for years to come," Herbst said.
The move carries personal significance for Herbst, who grew up watching Johnson dominate the sport.
"Jimmie is a great hero of mine, a childhood legend for sure," Herbst said.
Part of that significance comes with a new car number. Herbst will race the No. 84.
"It's kind of reverse of the 48, which Jimmie made so famous and well known," Herbst said. "So kind of a cool play on that."
Herbst is also carrying the legacy of another Las Vegas NASCAR icon, Kyle Busch, who died in May after battling a sudden illness.
"Very heavy hearts, just very, very tough," Herbst said. "Kyle paved the way for me and Noah [Gragson] and a lot of local NASCAR drivers to come from Las Vegas. He's a true champion of our sport on and off the racetrack."
Herbst credits Busch with instilling a winning mentality in him early in his career.
"Driving for him at Kyle Busch Motorsports, he demanded perfection, he demanded winning, and if you didn't win, it was kind of a failure," Herbst said. "I think he taught myself and a bunch of young drivers the process and the demand and the want to win. He was a true winner and he will definitely be missed."
Herbst will return to his hometown in October to compete in the South Point 400.
Sports
Kyle Busch Classic: NASCAR names race in Las Vegas after local racing legend
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
-
Drivers remember Kyle Busch before race at late Las Vegas star's hometown track
Drivers competing Sunday in Las Vegas took time to reflect on the loss of Las Vegas native Kyle Busch, the two-time Cup Series champion who died in May from a sudden illness.
A'ja Wilson scores 36 as the Aces send the Fever home again with Game 3 win
The third-seeded Aces, who have won three of the past four titles, moved on to play the winner of the Golden State-Dallas series.
Tony Romo out at CBS Sports after OWI arrest
Romo said in a statement that he plans to take a break and focus on his health and family. (Scripps News)
A'ja Wilson scores 36 as the Aces send the Fever home again with Game 3 win
The third-seeded Aces, who have won three of the past four titles, moved on to play the winner of the Golden State-Dallas series.
