Riley Herbst pulls out of Daytona after concussion relapse
Riley Herbst exited the Daytona 500 after a concussion, rumored to be cleared the week before, resurfaced following the Loudon crash.
Crash cascade, protocol and the decision to step aside
The incident sparked at New Hampshire Motor Speedway when Herbst’s car clipped Michael McDowell and then slammed into the wall.
A secondary impact from Connor Zilisch, who could not brake in time, drove into the No. 35 23XI Racing vehicle.
Herbst reported that symptoms had appeared after the initial post‑crash assessment, despite passing all tests and qualifying on Friday.
On Saturday morning he described severe headaches and other concussion signs, prompting him to hand the car to Harrison Burton for the race.
Future plans and the uncertain Southern 500
He confirmed a switch to Legacy Motor Club for the next season while keeping the bike busy in a Toyota Racing Development simulator and ride‑alongs at Ten Tenths Motor Club, reporting no symptoms during those sessions.
Herbst remains uncertain about the Southern 500, noting that concussion symptoms can flare unpredictably.
He and the NASCAR medical team insisted that taking the day off was the proper step for his health and for the safety of the racing community.
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