Riley Herbst prepares to race at Martinsville following Talladega crash
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 31, 2026, 6:40 PM
Last updated Oct 31, 2026
Riley Herbst is set to race in the NASCAR Cup Series Xfinity 500 at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday, just a week after a serious crash at Talladega left him with a wrist injury. Herbst has been cleared to compete, but his ability to complete the 500 laps is uncertain due to pain tolerance concerns, according to 23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin. As a precaution, the team has Harrison Burton on standby if a driver change is necessary. Last weekend, Herbst's car suffered extensive damage during a multicar accident, leading to his injury, which required initial evaluation and treatment.
- •Riley Herbst plans to start at Martinsville Speedway on October 31, 2026.
- •Herbst's wrist injury stems from a crash at Talladega last week.
- •Denny Hamlin indicates the race will depend on Herbst's pain tolerance.
- •Harrison Burton is available as a backup driver if needed.
- •The No. 35 Toyota underwent inspection after the Talladega accident.
- 6:40 PMYahoo Sports — NASCAR Driver Riley Herbst Cleared to Race at Martinsville, Backup on Standby
"Riley Herbst plans to race at Martinsville just one week after his violent Talladega crash. Denny Hamlin says Harrison Burton will be available if the injured driver cannot finish.
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