Corey Heim is set to significantly increase his presence in the NASCAR Cup Series, doubling his schedule to 12 races with 23XI Racing in 2026. The reigning Truck Series champion will drive the No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE for the team co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, signifying a major step forward in his racing career.
This expanded arrangement follows Heim’s record-breaking 2025 season, where he achieved 12 wins en route to claiming his first Truck Series championship. His impressive performance has convinced 23XI Racing that he is ready to compete more frequently at NASCAR’s highest level.
High-Profile Races Included on Heim’s 2026 Schedule
Heim’s 2026 Cup schedule is packed with some of NASCAR’s most notable events. He will make his first attempt at the Daytona 500 on February 15, NASCAR’s marquee event. Additionally, Heim is slated to compete in prestigious races such as the Coca-Cola 600, Brickyard 400, and Southern 500, offering him exposure to the sport’s iconic competitions.
The diversity of his schedule spans superspeedways to short tracks, providing a broad range of track experience. Heim has prior Truck Series wins on half of the Cup tracks he will race on, which offers a strong platform for success in these events.
I’m excited and honored to continue my progression with 23XI. Every driver wants to race as much as possible, but I’m fully committed to the approach that I am taking with the team.
23XI Racing’s Careful Approach to Developing Heim’s Talent
23XI Racing is taking a strategic and patient approach to Corey Heim’s transition into the Cup Series, increasing his race participation gradually rather than moving him immediately to a full-time ride. This method supports skill development and thorough preparation for a future full-time role.
Heim’s first top-10 finish in the Cup Series, achieved with a sixth place at Bristol Motor Speedway last season, reflects his growing competitiveness at this level. The continued stretching of his schedule will further develop his ability in NASCAR’s most competitive environment.
We know the future is really bright for Corey. We’re working with him to ensure that he is as prepared as possible when his time comes to race full time.
Future Prospects and Long-Term Plans with 23XI Racing
The expanded Cup schedule aligns with 23XI’s vision to strengthen its driver lineup. With Tyler Reddick likely to return and Bubba Wallace currently secured, Heim is expected to eventually take over the third full-time driving position, potentially starting in 2027, replacing Riley Herbst.
Meanwhile, Heim will continue participating in select Truck Series events with TRICON Garage. This dual involvement will help maintain his competitive edge while gaining valuable Cup Series experience, keeping him sharp across multiple NASCAR platforms.
23XI Racing views Heim not only as a promising talent for immediate results but also as a cornerstone for future team success. His championship-winning campaign in 2025 proved his capacity to win at a national level, and the team’s deliberate development strategy aims to prepare him fully for a long-term Cup career.
