By Sarah Handy, Staff Writer
Joe Gibbs Racing announced on Tuesday morning that Riley Herbst will race full time in the No. 18 Toyota Supra in the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2020.
20-year old Herbst made his Xfinity Series debut at Iowa Speedway last season earning a sixth-place finish in his debut.
“I’m very excited to compete full time next season in the Xfinity Series in the iconic No. 18,” Herbst said in a team press release. “I’ve enjoyed the transition to the Xfinity car this season, learned a ton and look forward to continuing to learn next season and improve each and every week. I’m eager to get started and have Monster Energy back with me and can’t wait for Daytona.”
Sponsors that will continue their relationship with the young driver and make their move to the NASCAR Xfinity Series with him are Monster Energy, ORCA Coolers, and Terrible’s.
“Riley (Herbst) has been a part of Joe Gibbs Racing for three years through the ARCA program and now the Xfinity Series,” said Steve DeSouza, executive vice president of Xfinity Series and development for Joe Gibbs Racing, in a team press release.
“Each week Riley shows improvement and growth, whether it is in the Xfinity Series Supra, the ARCA Series Camry or even the Toyota Tundra’s at KBM. Riley continues to work hard on gaining experience and becoming more comfortable behind the wheel and I think next year will be no different as he competes full-time for Rookie of the Year, race wins, and the Xfinity Series championship.”
In 2019, the Nevada native has made eight starts in the Xfinity Series earning three top-10s with a best finish of ninth coming twice. Those finishes came at Richmond Raceway in April after Herbst started on the pole and during his last series start at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in September.
In addition to the Xfinity Series, Herbst has made three starts this season in the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series for Kyle Busch Motorsports. Herbst has 1 top-five and two top-10s on the season with a best finish of third coming at Talladega Superspeedway last month.
Joe Gibbs Racing stated that a crew chief for the No. 18 will be announced at a later date.