Riley Herbst responds to Denny Hamlin reaction following Xfinity win at Indy

For Riley Herbst, last Saturday was more than just a win, it was a message to the rest of the NASCAR world that he is the real deal. Over the years, Herbst has had many doubters, but it appears that Denny Hamlin is in his corner.

Riley Herbst earned his second career NASCAR Xfinity Series victory last week at Indianapolis in a fierce battle with his own teammate Cole Custer and former Cup regular turned part-timer, Aric Almirola.

In the end, Herbst was able to make a last-lap pass in order to win the race. It is the highlight of his career so far and one that is likely to quiet the haters and doubters.

Still, it was cool to get a tweet from Denny Hamlin.

“The biggest thing is I’ve always known I could do this,” Riley Herbst told the media, via Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports. “Back in 2020 and 2021 when I was reading everything online that I couldn’t finish a race and I had no speed, I knew that if I worked hard enough I could be where I’m at right now. So, when you see somebody, one of the best in the sport like Denny Hamlin, tweet that it was impressive, I mean, that makes you feel good, obviously. Everybody wants to feel wanted in this world.

“I’m excited for that, that he said that. I got text messages from a lot of really good race car drivers saying the same thing. So, that’s pretty awesome. But this is this, and this is such a huge moment but we’re going to have a summer break and now we need to continue this momentum. Like I said in January, I think we’re one of the best three teams in the garage, and there’s no reason why we shouldn’t be in Phoenix and I think that just proved it right there.”

Riley Herbst not only locks himself into the playoffs with the win, but he’s doing great in points. Fifth overall, moving up two spots after Indy. Herbst has been really good this season. If not for four DNFs, he would possibly be as high as second overall this season.

Of course, Herbst’s teammate Cole Custer is the defending champion. So, Herbst knows that he has the equipment to compete for wins and a championship. With rumors swirling about him in the Cup Serie snext year, it has to feel good to get a win.

Keep an eye out on the 98 the rest of the season. Riley Herbst is determined to prove the doubters wrong.