In a high-octane clash of the rookies, Shane Van Gisbergen and Riley Herbst are battling it out for redemption in the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series. The race for the title of the Worst Rookie of the Year has intensified as these two drivers struggle to make their mark on the track.
Both Van Gisbergen and Herbst find themselves at the bottom of the Sunoco Rookie of the Year standings, with disappointing performances plaguing their seasons. With inconsistent runs, forgettable races, and a tough points situation, the pressure is on for these young drivers to turn things around and prove their worth.
Shane Van Gisbergen, the New Zealand sensation, and Riley Herbst, driving for Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing team, entered the Cup Series with high expectations but have faced a harsh reality check in 2025. Despite flashes of brilliance from Van Gisbergen on road courses, both drivers have struggled to deliver top-tier performances, with lackluster finishes and multiple DNFs to their names.
As of April 2025, Shane has 189 points, just ahead of Riley’s 165, putting them far behind the leading rookie, Carson Hocevar. With Shane’s best finish at 12th and Riley’s at 14th, the road to redemption seems long and arduous for both drivers. The pressure is on for them to improve their standings and salvage their rookie seasons.
The battle extends beyond the racetrack, with fans and experts alike chiming in on the struggles of these young drivers. While some show sympathy for Shane’s challenges with his team’s performance, others criticize Riley for not living up to the expectations set by his team’s prestige. The intense fan vibe adds another layer of pressure for Van Gisbergen and Herbst to overcome as they fight for their place in the NASCAR spotlight.
Looking ahead, Shane is banking on his road-course expertise to stage a comeback, while Riley faces an uphill battle to close the gap to the frontrunners. With every race becoming crucial in determining their fates, the rookie saga of Shane Van Gisbergen and Riley Herbst continues to captivate the NASCAR world, with fans eagerly awaiting to see who will emerge victorious in this gritty showdown of talent and determination.
In a sport where newcomers are making waves, the battle for rookie supremacy rages on, and only time will tell if Shane and Riley can rise to the occasion and prove that they belong among the elite in NASCAR.