Burton Replaces Herbst at Daytona
Harrison Burton replaces injured Riley Herbst at Daytona for 23XI Racing
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Key Points
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Harrison Burton previously won the 2024 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona with Wood Brothers Racing, underscoring his Daytona pedigree and suitability for stepping into the No. 35 for this substitution.
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Burton is currently a full-time driver in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series for Sam Hunt Racing, ranking 19th in points with three top-10 finishes this season, highlighting his ongoing cross-series activity and competitiveness.
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The Daytona substitution followed a high-profile crash at New Hampshire, where Herbst was spun by Michael McDowell and subsequently hit by Connor Zilisch, with lingering effects cited as the reason for stepping out of the car.
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Burton is listed as a reserve driver for Legacy Motor Club, indicating his role as a flexible substitute across Toyota-affiliated teams and his availability for special announcements like this Daytonan substitution.
Riley Herbst will miss the Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona due to lingering effects from a crash at New Hampshire last weekend. Heavy reports that Harrison Burton, a former Daytona winner, will take over the No. 35 Toyota for 23XI Racing and start from the rear due to the driver change.
The move comes as 23XI Racing prepares for bigger changes ahead. AutoWeek confirms that Corey Heim is slated to replace Herbst in the No. 35 seat in 2027, marking the end of Herbst's time with the team after this season.
A Veteran's Daytona Experience Steps In
Harrison Burton brings serious Daytona credentials to the substitution. Heavy notes that Burton won the 2024 Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona with Wood Brothers Racing, giving him recent success at the high-speed track. His Cup-level experience at the 2.5-mile oval makes him an ideal fill-in for Herbst's No. 35 seat.
Burton is currently a full-time driver in NASCAR's O'Reilly Auto Parts Series for Sam Hunt Racing. He ranks 19th in points with three top-10 finishes this season, showing he remains competitive across multiple racing series while serving as a reserve driver for Legacy Motor Club.
New Hampshire Crash Forces Herbst Out
Herbst's withdrawal stems from a violent New Hampshire incident last weekend. AOL explains that Herbst spun after being hit by Michael McDowell, then was struck again by Connor Zilisch. The 29-year-old woke up with lingering effects and, in consultation with 23XI Racing, decided sitting out Daytona was the right call.
The decision marks a precautionary approach to driver safety. Tennessean reports that Herbst had qualified fifth for Daytona before the health setback forced the last-minute driver swap. The team prioritized his well-being over his participation in the race.
Heim Inherits Herbst's Seat After Season Ends
Herbst's 2027 replacement is already locked in. Catchfence reports that Corey Heim will move into the No. 35 Toyota when Herbst departs at the end of this season. The move signals 23XI Racing's plan to reshape its driver lineup for next year and beyond.
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