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Nashville, TN – 23XI Racing has officially announced the signing of promising young talent Corey Heim to a full-time NASCAR Cup Series contract, commencing with the 2027 season. This strategic move signals the team’s long-term vision and commitment to building a championship-contending foundation. The decision to secure Heim’s services was reportedly a priority for team co-owners Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, with their shared conviction in Heim’s potential highlighted during the discovery phase of a recent lawsuit.
Evidence presented during the legal proceedings revealed direct communication between Hamlin and Jordan regarding Heim. Hamlin is quoted as telling Jordan that securing Heim to a full-time contract was paramount, to which Jordan responded with a decisive "lock him up." This directive has now materialized into a multi-year agreement, positioning Heim as a cornerstone of the 23XI Racing roster for years to come.
Heim is slated to pilot what is currently the No. 35 entry. This car has been driven by Riley Herbst, who is widely rumored to be heading to the newly expanded Legacy Motor Club program. Heim’s arrival will bolster a 23XI Racing lineup that already features championship contender Tyler Reddick, currently leading the points standings, and 2023 Brickyard 400 winner Bubba Wallace. This strategic acquisition underscores Hamlin’s philosophy of identifying and securing foundational talent before competitors can.
Denny Hamlin articulated the significance of this signing during a press conference at Nashville Superspeedway. "For our company, generational drivers only come by every now and then," Hamlin stated. "And I firmly believe that we have one here." His confidence in Heim’s abilities has been developing since 2023, stemming from the driver’s exceptional race craft.
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"It was just his race craft in general," Hamlin elaborated, distinguishing it from mere speed or finishes. "It wasn’t speed or finishes, anything like that, but very similar to Tyler (Reddick) in that when his vehicle is in a certain position, a vulnerable position, he still finds a way to get out of it and make a move whoever he is trying to pass." Hamlin, a seasoned competitor himself, recognizes the difficulty of executing complex maneuvers on track. "I know moves that are difficult to make and the great ones find ways to make them and make it look easy when I know it’s not."
The path to this full-time Cup Series opportunity for Heim, while now confirmed, has involved a measured approach. When Hamlin’s initial interest in Heim emerged, 23XI Racing was operating at its charter limit with two full-time entries for Wallace and Reddick. The team subsequently secured a third charter, which enabled the integration of Heim into their development pipeline.
This strategic development has allowed Heim to compete on a robust schedule alongside his full-time duties in the NASCAR Truck Series with Tricon Garage. This dual commitment has provided Heim with invaluable experience and exposure to the nuances of the Cup Series, preparing him for a seamless transition into a full-time role. This phased approach required a degree of patience from all parties involved.
Heim himself expressed his perspective on the decision-making process. "I’ve always gone with my gut," Heim commented. "I’ve always tried to prioritize surrounding myself with good people. That’s important in this sport — people that believe in you and people that want you to succeed as well as themselves." This sentiment reflects a maturity beyond his years and a clear understanding of team dynamics and personal growth.
Throughout this developmental period, Heim has remained committed to the Toyota Racing Development (TRD) program. He cited the consistent support and focus on his career progression as key factors in his loyalty. "When I signed with 23XI Racing, it was the same feeling," Heim added. "I was preparing for my first race here, at Nashville, two years ago and I felt like they wanted me to succeed and put me in the position to do so."
"For me, it just made no sense to go anywhere else," Heim continued. "Between Toyota and 23XI Racing, I feel at home and everyone wants everyone to succeed. Everyone is lifting each other up. Even on the bad days, you take that on the chin and move on so I do feel like I’m in a good spot for sure." This affirmation of loyalty and team synergy is a significant asset for any racing organization.
Hamlin acknowledged Heim’s patience and dedication, drawing parallels to the development of Tyler Reddick. "He was extremely, extremely patient," Hamlin remarked. "Which, in my mind, shows the maturity he has. It’s well beyond his age. I think he shows it on the race track and obviously off the race track, making the decision that he was going to go with us long-term, even if he had to wait a little bit." Hamlin expressed his appreciation for this commitment, stating, "We certainly appreciate that, and it’s similar to what I saw in Tyler Reddick, and with both guys figure out whatever it took to make it work."
The team anticipates that this long-term investment will yield significant returns. While the press release specified the No. 35 for Heim, Hamlin indicated that the car number could be subject to change, though he trusts the team’s official announcements. Discussions regarding potential car numbers have included options like the No. 25, which is currently held by Hendrick Motorsports, and other historically significant numbers.
"There’s a handful of numbers I had when I was younger that I liked," Heim noted. "I’ve always liked 11 but that’s pretty locked up too but we did bounce some ideas back and forth." The importance of a consistent car number for establishing driver identity was a point of consideration for Heim. "I want to keep that number for a long time, and I want it to count," he emphasized. "So that was more of a brainstorming exercise, not anything I felt strongly about one way or the other, but just having some ideas." The pursuit of a permanent number is a common goal for drivers aiming to build a long-lasting brand and legacy within the sport.
Heim’s current performance in the NASCAR Truck Series provides further evidence of his potential. He has demonstrated consistent speed and race-winning capabilities, accumulating multiple victories and strong finishes. This season, he has been a prominent figure in the Truck Series championship battle, showcasing the raw talent that has attracted the attention of NASCAR’s elite teams. His ability to adapt to different machinery and track conditions will be crucial as he ascends to the pinnacle of stock car racing.
The addition of Heim to the 23XI Racing stable signifies a bold step forward for the organization. By securing a driver with the perceived potential of a generational talent, Hamlin and Jordan are signaling their ambition to not only compete but to dominate in the years ahead. As Reddick and Wallace continue to vie for championships in the present, Heim’s development will be closely watched, with the expectation that he will eventually join them as a championship contender, further solidifying 23XI Racing’s position as a formidable force in NASCAR.
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