Corey Heim, the 2025 NASCAR Truck Series champion who won 12 races that season, faces a surprising challenge entering the 2026 season with no full-time ride secured. The 23-year-old from Marietta, Georgia, is preparing to compete part-time in the NASCAR Cup Series, reflecting a shift in his career strategy amid ongoing uncertainties about his future.
Heim’s Transition to a Part-Time NASCAR Cup Series Role
Despite his dominant performance in the Truck Series last year, Heim has not been able to lock down a full-time NASCAR Cup Series seat for 2026. Instead, he will drive part-time for 23XI Racing, the team he joined as a development driver in 2025. After completing four races for 23XI last year, Heim is slated to run 12 events behind the wheel of the No. 67 Toyota this year.
I always knew it was in the works,
Heim told Beyond the Flag in an interview made possible by CELSIUS.
There were a few things I wasn’t 100% sure of, like what the schedule would look like or how it would be split across the season, but I knew I’d be part-time at 23XI this year.
Alongside his Cup Series commitments, Heim will also appear in select NASCAR Truck Series events for TRICON Garage, a team he has raced with for three seasons.
Some of the Truck stuff came together a little later, but I was confident about the Cup piece.
Viewing Part-Time Status as a Foundation for the Future
Rather than feeling discouraged by his part-time status, Heim sees it as a step toward long-term success. He reflects on previous stages of his career when limited schedules helped him build experience gradually before moving into full-time roles.
Honestly, looking back at my career, I’ve had several stretches where I was part-time before going full-time: ARCA, Trucks, and hopefully now Cup,
Heim explained.
Those part-time seasons gave me a chance to get to know the team, understand the car, the manufacturer, and the organization without rushing it. So, I think it’s a good thing in the long run.
His patient approach signals Heim’s confidence that he will secure a full-time ride in the Cup Series by the 2027 season. NASCAR fans may find it surprising if he does not eventually secure a permanent seat with 23XI Racing, given his proven talent and development within the organization.
Qualifying for the Daytona 500 and Early Season Challenges
Heim is set to compete in the season-opening Daytona 500 on February 15 at Daytona International Speedway, one of the most prestigious races in NASCAR. However, he faces tough competition in the qualifying rounds, where eight drivers vie for only four available spots in the race.
It goes without saying, it would be a huge weight off my shoulders to lock in tonight,
Heim said before the qualifying session.
Looking at practice speeds, I think we’re in the cut. It’s hard to predict exactly who gets in, but I feel like we have a real shot. We’re first out to qualify, so we’ll know pretty quickly where we stand.
The qualifying process includes a single-car run on Wednesday, followed by the America 250 Florida Duel races on Thursday, which will determine the final entrants. Four drivers will ultimately fail to qualify for the Daytona 500. Fox Sports 1 plans live coverage of these events, culminating with the race broadcast starting at 2:00 p.m. ET on February 15.
Implications for Heim’s Future and NASCAR’s Competitive Landscape
Corey Heim’s journey highlights the unpredictable nature of driver placement in NASCAR, even for championship-winning talent. His part-time Cup deal, coupled with select Truck Series appearances, underscores a strategic approach to gaining experience and visibility before aiming for a full-time position.
If Heim secures strong performances in his 12 Cup starts in 2026, it could pave the way for a more stable role in 2027. Moreover, his association with 23XI Racing and ongoing presence in the Truck Series allow him to remain competitive across multiple levels of NASCAR, maintaining his development as a versatile driver. Fans and industry observers alike will watch carefully to see if Heim’s skills translate into a long-term Cup Series opportunity.
