To call 23XI Racing’s 2025 a tumultuous year would be an understatement. Not only did the organization not sign the charter agreement, they paired up with Front Row Motorsports to sue NASCAR. Over the course of the season, 23XI were granted then lost their chartered status. Despite being unchartered for a bulk of the season, NASCAR bent the rules to ensure they would not miss a race. After the season was over, the trial turned ugly but ultimately led to settlement. Meanwhile, on-track saw a driver complete a career season, another seemingly falter, and Riley Herbst was there. What could 2026 possible have in store for this organization? Read about it in the 2026 Season Preview for 23XI Racing.
#23 – Bubba Wallace
Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images
Crew Chief: Charles Denike
2025 Points Finish: 11
2026 Announced Sponsors: Xfinity, Columbia, US Air Force, Leidos, Mobil 1, Chumba Casino, Robinhood, Hardee’s
Although he finished lower in points than his teammate, 2025 felt like a changing of the guard for Bubba Wallace. Tyler Reddick had consistently outran him throughout their tenure with 23XI Racing. However, last year definitely saw Wallace emerge as the better of the two. Almost every week, the 23 car looked to be more competitive than Reddick. Wallace would flounder in the playoffs, which helps Reddick’s stat line look better. Plus, Wallace’s career high in DNFs (9) did not help things either.
2026 Expectations
Following the steady progression that Bubba Wallace has made, 2026 should be his best season yet. He matched his career highs in Top-5s and Top-10s last year while setting a new high in laps led. The connection between Wallace and crew chief Charles Denike certainly seemed to benefit the 23 team. If the team can wipe away some of those DNFs, the numbers would improve. Could 2026 be Wallace’s first year with multiple wins? It is possible, if not probable.
The Chase Factor
Bubba Wallace probably can breath a sigh of relief with the playoff format gone. Last year was only the second time Wallace qualified for the playoffs. In the previous two seasons, Wallace had to sweat out the points battle as new winners kept intruding on the available spots. 2024 saw him on the outside looking in despite a solid season. Now, pointing his way into The Chase should be a safe bet.
#35 – Riley Herbst
Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images
Crew Chief: Davin Restivo
2025 Points Finish: 35
2026 Announced Sponsors: Monster Energy
While both of his teammates made the playoffs, Riley Herbst comfortably sat second to last in points all season long. Herbst’s best finish of the season was 14th at Texas. When trying to find the positives from 2025 for Herbst, they are few and far in between. It is difficult to say anything positive for a season where you finish a full race (minus stage points) behind 34th in points. Maybe the positive is that it can only go up from here?
2026 Expectations
Not finish essentially last in points. Barring any unforeseen improvements, Cody Ware should solidify himself in last place. However, a 23XI Racing entry should be 35th in points. The equipment is too good for Herbst to be that bad. Finishing Top-30 in points should not a lofty goal for this team, but it does not seem to be a slam dunk.
Silly Season Implications
The fact that Riley Herbst is still in the 35 car this year is a bit ridiculous. No offense to the young driver, but how did his 2025 grant him access to a fulltime Cup Series ride in 2026? Well, sponsorship obviously. Still, that will likely not bail him out for a second straight season. You can start writing in Corey Heim for this ride in 2027 barring a miraculous turnaround.
#45 – Tyler Reddick
Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images
Crew Chief: Billy Scott
2025 Points Finish: 9
2026 Announced Sponsors: Xfinity, Jordan Brand, Mobil 1, SiriusXM, Chumba Casino, SupplyHouse, Comparion Insurance Agency
For the first time as part of 23XI Racing, Tyler Reddick went winless. Not only did he go winless, the speed seemed to be zapped out of the 45 car most weeks. It is one thing to go winless and still be competitive for wins. But, the only race where Reddick truly looked to be a threat to win was the Southern 500. Outside of that race, the 45 struggled to live up to the high expectations the fanbase has for it. For one season, Reddick looked to be the #2 driver in this stable.
2026 Expectations
2025 will likely prove to be a blip on the radar for Tyler Reddick. Maybe off-track situations played a factor in the 45’s performance last year. For 2026, a return to form would be the most sensible expectation. Reddick will likely find victory lane at least once while cruising to an easy Chase berth. That said, last year’s subpar performance does prevent that expectations rising past fringe championship competitor.
The Chase Factor
Although the overall speed was down for this team last year, an area of improvement was limiting the mistakes. Costly errors on pit road or by the driver had been the calling card for this team. Last year though, those were mostly gone. Only 1 DNF throughout the season is a strong indicator of this. Consistency will be the key to finishing well in points. If the team can add winning to that consistency, Tyler Reddick should be a Top-10 finisher after Homestead.
#67 – Corey Heim
Photo by Jeff Robinson/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Crew Chief: Bootie Barker
2026 Announced Sponsors/Dates: Robinhood (Daytona 500); Partial Schedule
It is still bizarre to enter 2026 with Corey Heim not driving fulltime in any series. After putting together the greatest Truck Series season ever, Heim is now relegated to piecing together a full season worth of entries. Heim will make starts across each series throughout the 2026 season. For the Cup Series, he will look to qualify for his first Daytona 500. From there, it is not certain how many races Heim will pilot the 67. No matter how many he runs, expect Heim to impress as he has done thus far in his limited Cup action.
Catch up on the previous 2026 Season Previews
Hendrick Motorsports; Joe Gibbs Racing; Team Penske; Trackhouse Racing