The 2025 NASCAR season is on the horizon. For many drivers, a brand-new campaign represents endless opportunities to make their mark in the stock car racing world. The motorsports world is a ruthless one, and racers have to fight for every chance they can get their hands on in a sport that is often defined by fine margins. While every driver dreams about competing in the Cup Series, not many have the opportunity to go wheel-to-wheel against the sports’ elite.

Corey Heim, began his NASCAR career at Kyle Busch Motorsports, making 19 appearances for the Truck Series team across two seasons. Despite his part-time schedule, the racer secured the Rookie of the Year title in 2022, highlighting his immense potential if given the right opportunity. The 22-year-old shed light on getting chances to compete at the highest level after representing 23XI Racing in the Cup Series in 2024.

Corey Heim is keeping his options open

Expectations are high from Corey Heim. Why wouldn’t they be? The Georgia native finished runner-up in the Truck Series in 2024, securing six wins in the process. He also serves as a reserve driver for 23XI and Legacy Motor Club, making three Cup Series appearances last year. From driving super late models to winning the Thunder Pro Division at Atlanta Motor Speedway in 2017, the young racer has been on quite a motorsports journey already. The Toyota Racing Development driver also competes in select Xfinity Series fixtures for Sam Hunt Racing and secured three top-five results last year. However, he’s already setting his sights higher for the season ahead.

In a conversation with Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass, Corey Heim revealed his desire to compete at the highest level. The TRICON Garage racer said, “I’m just taking one week at a time. I’m never going to turn down a Cup opportunity. I got some last year for a reserve driver and one that was planned mid-season. If you asked me a year ago, I would say I have no idea and that’s kind of where I am right now as well. I guess at the end of the day you never really know… It would be great to get some more laps in the Cup car.”

However, competing at NASCAR’s highest level remains Corey Heim’s goal. The results have left much to be desired though, as he ended up 29th at Nashville Superspeedway in his one-off appearance with 23XI Racing last year and finished no higher than 22nd in three appearances. Despite being linked to the team co-owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, 23XI opted to go for Riley Herbst instead to fill their third charter. Even though Heim has signed a contract extension with TRICON Garage for a third full season, his desire to compete in the Cup Series remains stronger than ever.

Heim outlines expectations for 2025

Corey Heim will be more determined than ever. After finishing runner-up in 2024, the Georgia native will be eager to make amends this time around while behind the wheel of the black and red No. 11 Toyota Tundra for Tricon Garage. The rising star has nine wins and a combined total of 26 top-five finishes in the Truck Series so far and will be eager to hit the ground running at the season-opening Fresh from Florida 250 held at Daytona International Speedway.

Giving credit where it’s due, Heim attributed his success to his teammates and said, “Certainly, I’ve had my fair share of success with those guys and couldn’t do without them. Having them back for another year is, you know … our expectations are just as high as ever and we’ve yet to close it out with a championship. So, of course, that’s our primary goal, but I want to get a lot of race wins along the way.”

With the No. 11 crew remaining largely unchanged, momentum is on Corey Heim’s side going into the 2025 season. Despite winning more races, leading more laps, and securing more top-five and top-ten results last year, the Georgia native finished five points behind Ty Majeski in the Truck Series Championship. The 22-year-old will be hoping to redeem himself this time around, and the trophy might just help him secure a Cup Series berth as well.