The recent NASCAR event in Mexico City sparked intense discussion after a risky move performed by a driver from Denny Hamlin’s 23XI Racing team drew widespread attention. This incident, combined with penalties handed to Spire Motorsports driver Carson Hocevar over inappropriate comments, placed NASCAR’s disciplinary actions under the microscope just hours after the race ended. Fans and insiders alike are now focusing on a possible penalty involving Riley Herbst, a rookie contender driving the No. 35 car.
Insider Freddie Kraft Fuels Speculation About Additional Penalties
Freddie Kraft, a well-known NASCAR commentator, contributed to the swelling speculation during the weekend by quietly suggesting that Hocevar’s punishment might not be the final disciplinary action. Kraft’s cryptic message on social media caused fans to dig deeper into the weekend’s events, shining a spotlight on Riley Herbst’s controversial on-track incident late in the race.
Herbst, battling with William Byron around the stadium section on lap 73, lost control and spun, coming to a stall directly in the racing path. In a daring attempt to rejoin under green flag conditions, Herbst executed a 360-degree blind spin that nearly caused a severe collision. Fellow racer Ricky Steinhouse Jr. narrowly avoided a high-speed crash by slamming on his brakes just in time. Both drivers managed to continue without damage, but fans were left questioning NASCAR’s decision not to call a caution or issue a penalty for what appeared to be a highly dangerous maneuver.
Riley Herbst’s Rookie Struggles and Perspective on the Season
Now 26 years old, Herbst is still finding his footing in his rookie season with 23XI Racing after 15 Cup Series races and an average finish near 25th place. Before arriving at the Mexico City track, Herbst expressed his eagerness to compete on what he called one of his favorite road courses, emphasizing the importance of steady improvement during the season. He said,
“We’ve been on the Mexico City track in the simulator so much. It is one of my favorite road courses, by far. We’re just trying to be better than we were last week. It’s about improving and making that solid ladder process. I know I sound repetitive, but it is so true. You have got to go through all the steps. Top 15s are phenomenal and that’s kind of ‘school,’ for sure. We are also starting heading back to tracks that we’ve already been at during the first part of the year.”
Despite this optimism, Herbst also acknowledged the challenges he faces mid-season. Reflecting on his progress, he admitted,
“It’s been challenging. It’s been fun. It’s been eye-opening. It’s been all of those things.”
He continued,
“I think we’re getting our feet on the ground. We’re starting to find speed. And now it is just about putting the race together and being there at the end. We’ve taken ourselves out a few times, so that is frustrating, but it’s just about putting everything together and just trying to be there for how long these races are and not take yourself out of contention. It’s part of the learning phase, and we are going through it right now.”
Fan Reactions Ignite a Heated Debate Over Herbst’s Track Conduct
Social media platforms, especially Reddit, transformed into a heated arena where fans voiced their opinions sharply about Herbst’s on-track decision. The moment Kraft hinted at further penalties, users quickly zeroed in on Herbst, igniting a “roast session” about his risky reentry. One fan bluntly stated,
“Probably for that stupid-a– Herbst rejoin,”
—Reddit User, capturing the widespread frustration in the thread. Many speculated whether Herbst might face suspension following his reckless move.
Another user keyed in on the likely penalty candidates, writing,
“Herbst dumba– move and Tab Boyd’s dumba– comments are the only things that even happened this weekend that could even be thought of as worthy of something, but idk.”
—Reddit User, while others believed Tab Boyd’s remarks were less severe compared to Herbst’s driving incident.
However, some fans attempted to consider the long-term implications of penalizing Herbst. One voiced caution,
“If they penalize Herbst, prepare for everyone that spins in a tight area to just wait for a yellow.”
—Reddit User, acknowledging the potential effects on race dynamics if strict penalties became the norm. Yet this did little to soften the overall critical tone as many dismissed Herbst’s actions as dangerously careless. Another comment read,
“It’s not about going backwards. It’s about driving into oncoming traffic. Anyone who has ever touched iRacing knows better. He’s just a total idiot.”
—Reddit User.
Looking Ahead: Possible Consequences and NASCAR’s Next Steps
While NASCAR has yet to announce any penalty related to Herbst’s maneuver, the buzz surrounding this incident reflects high fan engagement and serious concern about safety standards. The incident has fueled discussions about how NASCAR balances enforcement with the inherent risks of competitive racing. The focus now shifts to 23XI Racing and Herbst’s ability to navigate what could be a tense period within the team, as well as NASCAR’s upcoming decisions ahead of the next race at Pocono.
This moment serves as a reminder of the fine line drivers walk between aggressive racing and dangerous conduct, especially for rookies eager to prove themselves. NASCAR officials and fans will be watching closely as the Cup Series continues, gauging whether such moves warrant stricter penalties or are simply part of the sport’s learning curve.