Riley Herbst, driving the No. 35 Toyota for Denny Hamlin’s 23XI Racing, became the focus of controversy on June 15, 2025, during the race at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City. While attention was largely on the intense duel between Shane Van Gisbergen and Christopher Bell, Herbst’s incident on lap 73 drew sharp criticism from fans.
As Herbst battled for 13th place, he collided with William Byron, causing his car to spin out in front of oncoming traffic and nearly hitting Ricky Stenhouse Jr. The event quickly escalated online, with NASCAR Insider Jeff Gluck sharing updates that ignited social media discussions calling for Herbst to be benched.
Fan Response Demands Action Against Herbst and His Spotter
Reactions from fans were intense, expressing disbelief at Herbst’s mistake and questioning his readiness for Cup Series competition. One fan on Twitter wrote, “What was he thinking, bro?” while others suggested Corey Heim should be in the seat instead, believing Heim’s performance would avoid such errors. Critiques did not spare the spotter either, with comments like:
“Driver and spotter should be parked immediately. And be suspended next week. That was some ARCA-level idiocy,” —Anonymous Fan
“Please park the 35; he’s a liability.” —Anonymous Fan
These messages highlight the frustration within the NASCAR community regarding Herbst’s control on the track and the potential dangers such mistakes pose during tightly packed racing events.
Road Course Challenges and Herbst’s Ongoing Development
Road course races like the one at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez present unique challenges for drivers, and Herbst, despite his strong Monster Energy sponsorship and achievements in the Xfinity Series, is still adapting to the demands of the Cup Series. His spin raised questions about whether he is currently equipped to handle the pressure and skill required at this level.
Denny Hamlin’s organization is facing mounting fan pressure to consider lineup changes, especially with Corey Heim’s impressive performance in the Truck Series in 2025. Heim has secured four wins and eight top-five finishes in 13 races, demonstrating dominance that many believe could translate well into Cup Series success.
Corey Heim’s Rise Fuels Debate Over Herbst’s Seat
Hamlin has publicly praised Heim as being significantly ahead of his peers in NASCAR’s development tiers, hinting at an inevitable promotion. Fans, analysts, and insiders speculate whether Heim’s advancement will come by taking over Herbst’s position in the No. 35 Toyota, especially after recent mistakes that have cast doubt on Herbst’s consistency and reliability.
Fan Opinion Divided: Bench Herbst or Give Another Chance?
The community remains split over whether Herbst deserves to retain his position or be replaced. The debate reflects broader concerns about balancing experience, talent, and safety in NASCAR’s top series. As the season progresses, Denny Hamlin and 23XI Racing will need to address these concerns carefully to maintain competitive performance while managing fan expectations.
One final question posed to the NASCAR fanbase remains: Should Riley Herbst be benched in favor of Corey Heim, or does Herbst still merit the opportunity to prove his skills at the Cup Series level?