Denny Hamlin Takes the Weights Off Michael Jordan’s NASCAR Prodigy With a Firm 10-Word Declaration

The Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan-owned 23XI Racing currently operate with a 2-car team in the NASCAR Cup Series. However, they also run a third car on a part-time basis and several drivers have raced for them already. However, as NASCAR heads to Nashville, 23XI will be joined by a familiar face on the grid as Corey Heim takes over the wheel of the #50 Toyota.

Heim, who isn’t a stranger to the Cup arena, has competed in two races for Legacy Motor Club, driving the No. 43. He competed in the Wurth 400 at Dover and the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas, finishing P25 and P22. This was when Erik Jones was out of action, due to injury and Heim subbed in for him for a few races.

The Marietta, Georgia native will be the second driver in the #50 Toyota for Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan‘s team after Kamui Kobayashi, the Japanese driver used to ply his trade in Formula One. But as Kobayashi has now established himself as an Endurance racing ace, the 21-year-old prodigy will be taking over the spot.

This season in his first seven attempts, Corey Heim has not finished outside of the top 10, with five of the seven finishes coming in the top five. He took the checkered flag at COTA in late March, marking his sixth career Truck Series win and second career win on a road course. Apart from Truck and Cup Series Heim is also running a part-time Xfinity schedule with Sam Hunt Racing in the No. 26 Toyota GR Supra. And, in the build-up to the race at New Hampshire, Denny Hamlin explained the reason behind roping in the 21-year-old.

Denny Hamlin outlines his expectations

Team co-owner Michael Jordan is a person who wants results, but Hamlin urged caution. The veteran admitted that Heim should be under no pressure to try and keep up with Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick. Obviously, Denny Hamlin was aware that Heim is a rookie, and spoke about his expectations.

Talking of his confidence in Heim and their responsibilities towards him, Denny told Bob Pockrass, “It’s hard because you don’t want them to feel the pressure of going out there. ‘Hey, I have to do this, I have to do that.’ We’re going to provide him a very fast car. We feel confident in that, so I think we’ve seen him be able to go to the next level and be competitive, right from the get-go.”

The #11 driver acknowledged Heim’s previous stint with Legacy Motor Club in 2023, and emphasizing his capabilities, the 23XI co-owner said, “Nothing would surprise me, but also I don’t have any set expectations for him. I just want him to enjoy it. I think he got a little bit of a taste of what the Cup Series is like, after a few races with Legacy, in his fill-in role. Being able to take time, prepare, get immersed with our folks, how we prepare for races over there, will be beneficial to him. Certainly excited to see how he does.”

Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan want Corey Heim to just gain some experience racing in a Cup car. Who knows, it could be useful when he eventually reaches the Cup Series on a full-time basis. Last season Heim claimed the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series regular season championship despite missing a race due to an illness.

While piloting the TRICON Garage No. 11 Toyota Tundra TRD Pro, he advanced to the final four and secured three wins, 12 top-five finishes, and 19 top-10 finishes. sits second in the Craftsman Truck Series standings, just two points behind the leader.

The Joe Gibbs Racing star imparted some advice to Corey Heim

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Ahead of the New Hampshire and well before Heim’s 23XI Racing debut, Denny Hamlin spoke about his interaction with him. Since he is a team owner, Hamlin would want his driver to bring the car back in one piece and in a good position. So there was nothing stopping him from giving the youngster some advice.

Hamlin continued, “I talked to Corey a little bit about that. Think he’s very comfortable in understanding that his future doesn’t rely on a week-to-week basis. He’s young and established enough, and winning enough on Friday and Saturday, to know that he’s capable of doing it. I don’t think that any one result would make him question his abilities. That kind of confidence in someone that young, is very hard to come by, but he has earned it through results.”

In essence, the driver/owner is suggesting that the Michael Jordan prodigy shouldn’t worry too much about his future. However one has to wonder whether he will be pulling double duty and competing in the Truck and Cup race at Nashville.