DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — A driver change will take place ahead of Saturday night's race at Daytona International Speedway (7:30 p.m. ET on NBC). Riley Herbst will not suit up for 23XI Racing.
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The Cup Series team announced the news just before 3:30 p.m. ET with a post on social media.
"After a strong effort in qualifying yesterday, Riley Herbst woke up with lingering effects from last weekend's incident and, along with the team, decided it was in his best interest to step out of the car for tonight's race at Daytona International Speedway," the team said.
"He will be replaced in the No. 35 Toyota for tonight's Cup Series race at Daytona International Speedway by Harrison Burton."
Herbst had originally qualified fifth for Saturday night's race at Daytona. However, the driver change by 23XI Racing means that Burton will have to drop to the rear of the field for the start of the race.
The incident mentioned by 23XI Racing occurred at New Hampshire Motor Speedway during the final stage. Herbst crashed after contact with Michael McDowell, and he spun into the outside wall.
Trouble for @rileyherbst!
The No. 35 Toyota spins after contact with @Mc_Driver. pic.twitter.com/TkPLl6JSTz
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) August 23, 2026
As his car came to a stop, Connor Zilisch slammed into it at a high rate of speed. The Trackhouse Racing driver locked up his brakes while trying to slow down.
This start on Saturday night will mark the first time since 2024 that Burton has suited up for a Cup Series race, and his second start at NASCAR's top level for Toyota.
Burton previously completed three full-time seasons for Wood Brothers Racing (2022-24). He drove the No. 21 Ford Mustang and posted six top-10 finishes.
The biggest moment of Burton's Cup career came at Daytona International Speedway. He won the 2024 regular-season finale after a late battle with the late Kyle Busch, and he locked up a spot in the playoffs.
Now, Burton will get another opportunity to take part in a Cup Series race. He will drive the No. 35 Toyota Camry XSE under the lights at Daytona.
