Denny Hamlin and 23XI Racing have a knack for nurturing talent. From Bubba Wallace to Tyler Reddick and Riley Herbst, Hamlin’s mentorship has helped shape many drivers’ careers. Now, the latest addition to this list is Corey Heim. As a developmental driver for 23XI, Heim is eager to learn from the experienced team, which has made significant progress in recent years.

In a recent interview, Heim shared his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity. But it was his three-word message about his experience at joining 23XI that stood out. It perfectly captured his feelings about joining the team. So, what did Denny Hamlin’s latest prodigy say exactly?

Corey Heim’s developmental journey begins with 23XI

Corey Heim’s rise in NASCAR has been nothing short of impressive. With 12 wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and a strong showing in the Xfinity Series, the 22-year-old has made his mark as one of the sport’s brightest prospects. His latest career milestone comes with an exciting announcement. On February 23, 2025, it was announced that he had signed a multi-year deal as a developmental driver for 23XI Racing. This marks an exciting chapter in his already promising career. For Heim, this opportunity is a step towards fulfilling his long-term goal of racing full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series.

In addition to his role with 23XI, Corey Heim will continue his journey in the Toyota Driver Development Program (TD2). TD2 has played a key role in nurturing young talent within the Toyota camp. This partnership gives Heim access to a wealth of resources. This includes guidance from some of the best in the business, such as 23XI Racing’s co-owner, Denny Hamlin.

For someone like Corey Heim, who has shown consistent growth in the NASCAR Truck Series, the next few years will be crucial. He will seek to build upon his success and develop into a Cup Series contender. When asked about what it feels like to join the 23XI Racing family, Heim shared a simple but powerful sentiment. “Feels like home.” The phrase captures the warmth and camaraderie he feels within the team. It speaks volumes about the culture Denny Hamlin and his team have cultivated at 23XI.

Specifically, since his first time racing with 23XI at Nashville Superspeedway, Heim has felt that even the people at 23XI are looking forward to the collaboration. This made his decision to sign with them even easier. “They have a lot of good people over there that are seemingly very excited to work with me and develop me over the years,” Heim continued.

So, looking ahead, Heim’s future with 23XI Racing appears to be full of opportunity. Alongside his Cup Series development, he will also race for Sam Hunt Racing in the Xfinity Series. Here, he will continue to hone his skills in a highly competitive environment. “Just excited to get to work,” Heim summarized his thoughts. Thus, the only question now is: How will Corey Heim’s “home” at 23XI Racing help him make the leap to NASCAR’s top level?

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Corey Heim’s next challenge – The Focused Health 250 at the Circuit of the Americas

Corey Heim is gearing up for his first race of the 2025 Xfinity Series at the Focused Health 250. The race will take place on Saturday, March 1. This will be his debut for the 2025 season with Sam Hunt Racing. He will pilot the No. 24 Upper Deck GR Supra. Supported by 23XI Racing, Heim’s entry marks a significant step in his career as he looks forward to the collaboration with the Denny Hamlin co-owned team.

Corey Heim, who is also the reigning NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series COTA champion, heads into the race with high expectations. His previous success at the Circuit of the Americas has fueled his confidence as he makes his first road course appearance in his Xfinity Series career. But we hope that the fan displeasure over his collaboration with 23XI doesn’t overshadow his talent on track.

All that being said, with veteran crew chief Brian Gainey leading the team, Heim’s performance is highly anticipated. The combination of his racing skills, prior experience, and support from Sam Hunt Racing and 23XI gives him a solid foundation. Heim is eager to add a victory in the Xfinity Series at COTA to his already impressive resume. Thus, it will be further exciting to see how the 2025 season unfolds, Cup and Xfinity Series, as Corey Heim continues to grow and pursue his ultimate goal of a full-time Cup ride.