Corey Heim is emerging as a top prospect for Toyota in the NASCAR Cup Series, but his path to a full-time ride in 2026 remains unclear. Dale Earnhardt Jr., co-owner of 23XI Racing, acknowledges Heim’s potential while suggesting that this promising future may come at the expense of Riley Herbst, currently piloting the team’s third car.
With limited seats available in the Cup Series, Heim’s aspiration to compete at the highest level would require displacing another driver, and Herbst appears to be the candidate most at risk. Earnhardt Jr. indicated in the Dale Jr. Download podcast that Heim’s current Truck Series involvement is a temporary step designed for gaining experience, not a final destination.
“Is he going to pushRiley [Herbst]out? What’s going to happen there? … Corey ain’t going to sit around forever. … I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s in Riley’s car next year.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr., 23XI Racing co-owner
Heim, 22, has yet to secure a permanent Cup ride but is widely regarded as a rising star in NASCAR. Meanwhile, Herbst, 26, has struggled to make a strong impact this season. He sits 32nd in points with no top-five or top-ten finishes in 2025 so far, his best result being 14th at Texas Motor Speedway.
Riley Herbst’s On-Track Performance and Its Influence on His Future at 23XI Racing
Herbst, a native of Las Vegas, Nevada, faces mounting pressure to improve his results if he hopes to retain his seat at 23XI Racing. Without notable finishes or laps-led this season, his hold on the Cup ride grows tenuous. The lack of consistent success contrasts with Heim’s rapid rise through the Truck Series ranks, where Heim has excelled before making sporadic but promising Cup Series appearances.
Heim’s recent NASCAR Cup outings have shown promise, including a 13th-place finish at Kansas Speedway, suggesting he’s ready for full-time competition against the sport’s top drivers. This upward trajectory has Toyota’s camp enthusiastic about Heim’s potential, which complicates 23XI Racing’s roster decisions moving forward.
23XI Racing’s Roster Dilemma: Balancing Sponsorship, Talent, and Charter Challenges
Besides driver performance, 23XI Racing faces broader challenges involving charters and legal matters with NASCAR, which add complexity to their lineup choices. Herbst brings sponsorship stability to the team, occasionally delivering strong performances that keep the car competitive. However, Heim’s status as a highly promising prospect means Toyota may prioritize securing his commitment, especially given interest from rival manufacturers like Chevrolet and Ford.
The team is caught between retaining an experienced but currently underperforming driver and promoting a younger talent whose stock is rapidly rising but who has not yet proved himself in a full Cup Series campaign. This balancing act is further complicated by the sponsorship and financial factors inherent in NASCAR’s competitive environment.
Implications for the Future of the No. 35 Car and 23XI Racing’s Direction
Dale Earnhardt Jr. recognizes the difficult decision that lies ahead for 23XI Racing as they prepare for the 2026 season. Whether Riley Herbst or Corey Heim will drive the No. 35 car remains unresolved, with significant expectations placed on whoever secures the position to perform well, especially at key events like the Daytona 500.
As the team navigates these uncertainties, Herbst’s ability to improve his on-track results in the coming weeks will be critical to keeping Heim at bay. Conversely, Heim’s steady climb and evident talent make him a strong candidate to eventually claim a full-time Cup ride. The ongoing situation highlights the intense competition within NASCAR’s top ranks, where emerging stars must continuously prove themselves to solidify their futures.
