Riley Herbst Crashes Into Michael McDowell at Phoenix

The collision marks a retaliatory move for an August incident that left Herbst with a concussion.

Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Motorsports

Riley Herbst Crashes Into Michael McDowell at Phoenix

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Is it acceptable for race car drivers to intentionally wreck competitors to settle scores?

Riley Herbst intentionally crashed his car into Michael McDowell during the Freeway Insurance 500 in Phoenix on October 18, 2026. The collision caused damage to both vehicles involved.

Why it matters

The maneuver served as retaliation for an August 2026 incident at New Hampshire where McDowell intentionally wrecked Herbst, causing him to miss a race at Daytona due to a concussion. Team owner Denny Hamlin acknowledged the retaliation while criticizing Herbst for the damage it caused to his own vehicle.

Riley Herbst posted a top 10 speed during practice sessions at Phoenix prior to the race incident. Both cars sustained damage during the collision.

The players

Riley Herbst

He is a race car driver who competes in the NASCAR circuit.

Michael McDowell

He is a veteran NASCAR driver known for his career in the Cup Series.

Denny Hamlin

He is a prominent NASCAR driver and the owner of the racing team for which Riley Herbst drives.

The details

Herbst drove his car into the back of McDowell's vehicle during the event, resulting in significant damage to both machines. Denny Hamlin, the owner of Herbst's team, stated that the move was motivated by Herbst feeling bullied by other drivers.

August 2026: Michael McDowell wrecked Riley Herbst at New Hampshire.
October 18, 2026: Riley Herbst crashed into Michael McDowell at Phoenix.

Season Trajectory

The collision highlights growing tensions between competitors as the 2026 season progresses toward its final rounds. This rivalry creates significant uncertainty for the playoff picture and team standings.

The damage to both vehicles likely removes both drivers from contention for the race win. Fantasy participants and bettors should note the potential for further friction between these two drivers in upcoming events.

The takeaway

Retaliation on the track carries significant financial and competitive risks for drivers. Experts suggest that settling scores during active racing often results in self-inflicted damage that compromises overall team goals.