Corey Heim has finally received his big breakthrough. The Truck Series star has signed a development deal with 23XI Racing. It will see him make select Cup Series start in 2025. The 22-year-old has impressed in NASCAR’s third tier after debuting in 2021. He has racked up 12 dominating wins, most of which have come at Tricon Garage. While a move to the Cup/Xfinity Series has been long overdue, the youngster finally has an opportunity to shine against NASCAR’s heavyweights. Plus, Denny Hamlin keeps Heim at the highest regard.

However, could his development driver role at 23XI be a temporary pit stop before he switches his allegiance once again? It’s not beyond the realm of possibility. Especially considering the team’s precarious position because of the ongoing lawsuit.

Denny Hamlin has high hopes for Heim

It’s an exciting year ahead for Corey Heim. After competing against 23XI Racing in 2024, the Georgia native has joined Michael Jordan’s team in a part-time capacity. The multi-year developmental driver paves the way for a full-time role with the team in the future. It’s a prospect that the racer will undoubtedly be excited by. The Tricon Garage driver will also be plying his trade in the Xfinity Series for Sam Hunt Racing. Thus, he will use the opportunity to hone his skills to compete at the highest level.

Sharing his thoughts on Heim’s appointment, Denny Hamlin said on the Actions Detrimental podcast, “We’re going to run them in some races this year, then run him in some more races next year. Just see where the future holds for him. We’re excited to give him the opportunity, he deserves it. I’m glad he chose 23XI. He probably could have taken some other offers that could have taken him in a Cup car sooner, but he chose to be part of our program and we’re excited to field a car for him.”

However, Corey Heim’s future at 23XI Racing is far from certain. While he has signed on as a development driver, the team already has Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick, and Riley Herbst in the Cup Series. Moreover, the team co-owned by Michael Jordan is currently amidst an anti-trust lawsuit against NASCAR, making their future in the sport uncertain if they lose the case.

Considering the 23XI’s circumstances and Heim’s mercurial rise to stardom in the Toyota Development Program, he will have plenty of options to choose from should he wish to leave.

Joe Gibbs Racing and Legacy Motor Club are the most obvious destinations. While JGR already has Denny Hamlin, Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe, and Ty Gibbs, the team could look to get some younger blood in. But the million-dollar question is – who will Corey Heim replace?

Jimmie Johnson’s team is a more realistic destination, considering that LMC is a team Heim has already made three Cup Series appearances. And neither Erik Jones nor John Hunter Nemechek fares particularly well. While talk of the 22-year-old leaving is just speculation at this point, it remains a realistic possibility, especially if 23XI Racing goes down because of the anti-trust lawsuit.

Trending

1

Kyle Larson Cleared of Guilt by NASCAR Veterans Despite Austin Cindric’s Atlanta Callout

2

“It’s A Shame”: Kyle Larson Accused by Roger Penske’s Star After Reckless Aggression in Atlanta

3

Jealous of HMS Teammate, Kyle Larson Punishes Himself for His Biggest Racing Weakness

4

When Dale Earnhardt’s Secret Life Left Dale Jr. and Kelley Earnhardt in Total Shock

5

Old School Hall of Famer Reveals 2-Worded Mantra for Carson Hocevar Amidst Public Hatred

Corey Heim is excited to get started at 23XI Racing

The stage is set for Corey Heim. Moreover, the Truck Series phenom will drive the No. 67 Toyota Camry for 23XI Racing, with Robert “Bootie” Barker, who serves as crew chief. Though now heading the organization’s competition department, the veteran will return to the pit box for certain races in 2025. It’s not the first time the youngster appears in the Cup Series, as he served as a substitute for Legacy Motor Club’s Erik Jones last year after the racer broke his vertebrae in a crash.

Sharing his thoughts after the news became official, Heim said, “It‘s a dream come true to be a part of 23XI, and I‘m excited for the opportunity to race more Cup and Xfinity races this year.”

The 22-year-old mentioned, “The success that 23XI has shown in only a few short years has been impressive and I‘m excited to learn from the organization. I’m also grateful to everyone at Toyota for their ongoing support in my development both on and off the track, and I look forward to strengthening that relationship for years to come.”

While his future in the Cup Series looks inevitable, Corey Heim still has unfinished business in the NASCAR Truck Series. The Tricon Garage driver finished runner-up in the competition last year and will want to end his stint with the No. 11 Toyota with a trophy at Phoenix Raceway.

Getting a taste of success would be the perfect way for the 22-year-old to close the curtains on his Truck Series career before potentially switching to Denny Hamlin’s 23XI in a full-time capacity in 2026.