Riley Herbst will not take the green flag at Daytona International Speedway for the season‑ending NASCAR Cup Series finale. The decision follows a violent incident at New Hampshire Motor Speedway that left him with lingering physical effects, prompting his withdrawal just hours before the race.
Herbst had qualified fifth for the event, but the after‑effects of the crash forced him to step aside, creating an unexpected vacancy in the lineup.
A reserve driver steps up
Harrison Burton, listed as Legacy Motor Club’s reserve, will replace Herbst in the No. 35 Toyota. This will be his first Cup start since the close of 2024, a milestone that comes after his 2024 victory in the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at the same track.
Burton’s insertion into the lineup occurs after qualifying had already placed Herbst fifth on the grid. Consequently, the reserve driver will start at the rear of the field, turning the race into a comeback story.
The swap was confirmed by 23XI Racing mere hours before the event, underscoring the urgency of the health concerns that have become a recurring theme in the series this season.
The race’s significance
The timing could not be more critical, as the Daytona race serves as the final chance for drivers to secure playoff positioning and momentum heading into the postseason.
Beyond the immediate lineup change, the episode highlights the broader impact on the teams involved, including Legacy Motor Club, Wood Brothers Racing and Sam Hunt Racing, each of which may see ripple effects from the reshuffling.