Riley Herbst to make Cup debut in Daytona 500

NASCAR Xfinity Series veteran Riley Herbst will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut in the 2023 Daytona 500.

Herbst, 23, will race the No. 15 Ford Mustang for Rick Ware Racing with sponsorship from Sunny Delight, the team announced Tuesday, January 31.

“So excited to get down to Daytona and live out a childhood dream,” Herbst said on social media.

Herbst has been a full-time driver in the NASCAR Xfinity Series since 2020, earning two poles, 17 Top-5 finishes, 54 Top-10 finishes and three consecutive Xfinity Series Playoff appearances.

Because the No. 15 team is in possession of a NASCAR Charter, Herbst is guaranteed a starting position in the Daytona 500.

The No. 15 entry saw six different drivers throughout the 2022 season, with David Ragan posting two Top-10 finishes in the car — both at Daytona.

The 2022 Daytona 500 is scheduled for Sunday, February 19, 2023.