Corey Heim is set to compete in a 12-race schedule with 23XI Racing during the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, a development announced on Friday, February 6. This opportunity comes as Heim continues to balance his part-time Cup schedule while maintaining involvement in the Truck Series, reflecting his ongoing progression in NASCAR’s ranks.
Heim, who captured the 2025 Craftsman Truck Series championship by winning 12 of 25 races, has not secured a full-time ride in the Cup Series for 2026 but will share time between Truck and Cup competitions. The Georgia native will race Select Truck events with TRICON Garage and begin his Cup appearances with 23XI Racing’s open No. 67 entry, starting at the prestigious Daytona 500. He remains aligned with crew chief Bootie Barker, continuing their partnership from previous seasons.
“12 opportunities this year with 23XI Racing, can’t wait to get started! First stop, [Daytona],” Corey Heim wrote on X.
Heim’s Cup race schedule features marquee events including Kansas (spring), Texas Motor Speedway, both races at Charlotte, Nashville, the new San Diego street race, the Chicago street race, Indianapolis, Darlington’s fall event, and Homestead. Heim views this arrangement as a crucial stage in his growth as a driver and is determined to take full advantage of each race.
“I’m fully committed to the approach that I am taking with the team. I look forward to more Cup races this year and the opportunity to grow and expand my race craft on and off the track,” Corey Heim said in a team release.
Starting the season at Daytona, Heim will race with sponsorship backing from Robinhood, marking a significant step into the Cup Series spotlight. This partial schedule is part of his continued transition from a Truck Series champion to a developing Cup competitor.
23XI Racing’s Patient Strategy to Cultivate Corey Heim
Despite Heim’s outstanding performance in the 2025 Truck Series, including sweeping the championship with dominant performances and consistently leading laps, he entered the 2026 season without a guaranteed full-time seat in NASCAR’s top divisions. Recognizing this, 23XI Racing has taken a measured approach to Heim’s development by offering a part-time Cup schedule alongside select Truck races to build experience progressively.
As 23XI Racing’s first designated development driver, Heim made four starts with the team during the 2025 season, with a top finish of sixth at Bristol indicating his potential at the Cup level. This stepwise advancement is part of a broader organizational focus on long-term success rather than immediate results.
Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing driver, emphasized the team’s commitment to a deliberate growth path:
“We’re continuing to stick to our plan and taking a long term approach, while also remaining focused on what is collectively best for our organization and our partners as we look to continue being a competitive, winning organization each weekend,” Hamlin said.
Heim’s No. 67 Cup car is an open entry without a charter, meaning he must qualify for each race on speed and performance, adding an extra layer of challenge to his 2026 campaign.
Significance of Heim’s Schedule and Outlook for the Season
Corey Heim’s mixed schedule offers a valuable platform for refining his skills against NASCAR’s elite drivers while maintaining visibility and momentum in the Truck Series. This measured exposure in the Cup Series aligns with 23XI’s long-term plan to foster young talent, ensuring Heim gains experience without pressure to deliver full-time results prematurely.
With notable events spread across various types of tracks, including speedways, street courses, and short tracks, Heim will confront a diverse set of racing conditions that can greatly expand his racecraft. His repeated collaboration with experienced crew chief Bootie Barker should provide stability in adjusting to the higher competition level.
The involvement of sponsors such as Robinhood and the organizational backing from co-owner Denny Hamlin reinforces the resources and confidence placed in Heim’s development. As this part-time schedule unfolds, Heim’s performances will likely influence opportunities for a full-time Cup ride in future seasons.
Fans and analysts will watch closely to see how well Heim adapts to the Daytona 500 and subsequent events, which promise to be pivotal in his career trajectory toward NASCAR’s premier division.
12 opportunities this year with @23XIRacing, can’t wait to get started!
First stop, @DAYTONA. pic.twitter.com/jOmOvgXETi
— Corey Heim (@CoreyHeim_) February 6, 2026
.@RobinhoodApp returns this season beginning with @CoreyHeim_ in the Daytona 500 and continuing with @BubbaWallace throughout the 2026 season. pic.twitter.com/4ZThRPEX5b
— 23XI Racing (@23XIRacing) January 27, 2026
