Riley Herbst will join Legacy Motor Club in 2027, the team announced Thursday. He will drive the No. 84 Toyota Camry XSE, bringing LMC to three full-time NASCAR Cup Series teams. The partnership is a multi-year deal, with Herbst’s current primary sponsor Monster Energy coming with him.
“I’m excited to join Legacy Motor Club and drive the No. 84,” Herbst said. “My career has been a journey with a lot of highs and a lot of lows, and I’ve learned every step of the way — from my crew chiefs, my mentors, and my family. This new chapter is another opportunity to learn and grow in the NASCAR Cup Series, and I’m grateful for the chance to help Jimmie continue to build what Legacy is becoming.”
Since 2025 Herbst has driven full-time in the Cup Series for 23XI Racing. He finished 35th in points as a rookie, and this season he’s ranked 29th with 10 races remaining in the season. Herbst missed Daytona International Speedway due to the effects from a crash the previous week at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
After two years with Herbst in the No. 35 Toyota, 23XI Racing announced in May that Corey Heim would take his place next season. Heim has scored his first two Cup Series wins while driving part-time in the No. 67 Toyota. In 61 races so far with 23XI Racing, Herbst has three top-10 finishes and is still seeking his first career top-five.
Building 2027’s Legacy
The news of Herbst’s signing comes just one day after the team confirmed reports that John Hunter Nemechek would not return to the No. 42 Toyota in 2027. That development was somewhat unexpected after several sponsor announcements spoke of Nemechek as being a part of Legacy Motor Club for at least next season.
Legacy Motor Club’s 2027 lineup is now two-thirds complete. All signs point to Erik Jones returning for a seventh season in the No. 43, with Herbst expanding LMC to three cars in the No. 84. Free agent Josh Berry is a potential candidate for the now-open No. 42 ride.
“I have watched Riley grow as a driver, and I know what he is capable of,” said Legacy Motor Club co-owner Jimmie Johnson. “The connection our families share through off-road racing made this feel like a natural fit from the start. I am excited to give him a home where he can continue to develop and show what he can do in the Cup Series.”
Johnson himself will make a one-off entry in the 2027 Daytona 500, making Legacy Motor Club a four-car team for the first time since Johnson joined the group. He’ll pilot the No. 48 Toyota, reclaiming his Hendrick Motorsports number for one race only.
Monster Energy Remains Loyal
Monster Energy will join Herbst, continuing a driver-sponsor relationship that has spanned several years and multiple teams. The energy drink was with Herbst as far back as 2019 in the ARCA Menards Series with Joe Gibbs Racing. They followed him to the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2020, and stayed with him when he joined Stewart-Haas Racing in 2021. When Herbst landed a Cup Series ride with 23XI Racing, he kept his black and green colors.
“Riley and the entire Herbst Racing family have been a big part of Monster Energy’s racing history,” said Mitch Covington, Monster Energy’s chief partnership officer. “Riley is continuing a racing legacy that his grandfather, dad, uncles, and cousins have all been such a big part of, and all have represented Monster so well across the board for almost 20 years. We look forward to this new relationship, and we’re happy to team up with Jimmie Johnson and Legacy Motor Club.”
