Riley Herbst's move to LEGACY Motor Club a net positive for all parties

LEGACY Motor Club signed Riley Herbst for the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season on Thursday, making a long-anticipated move official.

Herbst will drive the organization's new third full-time Cup entry next season, moving to LEGACY after two years with 23XI Racing.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that Herbst, who has only five top 10s in 69 Cup starts, is being signed by LMC thanks to the funding he provides through Monster Energy. But it wouldn't be fair to say the 27-year-old from Las Vegas hasn't improved in his sophomore season, as he is 29th in the standings after finishing 35th last season and has an average finish that is over four positions better than his 2025 mark.

On the whole, it's hard to say the move isn't a win for both 23XI and LEGACY.

From the source Welcome to the CLUB, @rileyherbst!

It's been known that Herbst would be leaving the No. 35 Toyota at 23XI, with two-time Cup winner and highly touted prospect Corey Heim taking over. Herbst leaving 23XI lets the team put a third potential Chase driver into its third car.

Meanwhile, LEGACY, which already has Erik Jones and could also end up with Josh Berry in its 2027 lineup alongside Herbst, has brought in a driver that brings plenty of cash with him. Herbst is also slowly getting better and will be a good measuring stick for how LMC is coming along as a team.

Does Herbst give LEGACY a shot to win every week? Probably not. But he will provide funding and has improved enough this year to where him getting another Cup Series ride doesn't feel completely cheap.