Corey Heim Set for Partial NASCAR Cup Series Campaign with 23XI Racing in 2026

The NASCAR Cup Series landscape for the 2026 season is taking shape with a significant development for one of the sport’s most promising young talents. Corey Heim, the reigning NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion, has been confirmed to compete in 12 Cup Series races with 23XI Racing, marking a substantial step up in his developmental journey. This announcement addresses the uncertainty surrounding Heim’s future following his dominant 2025 Truck Series season, during which he shattered numerous records and solidified his status as a top prospect alongside fellow rising star Connor Zilisch.

Heim’s 12-race schedule will see him piloting the No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE, an entry that does not hold a charter. This designation means Heim and the 23XI Racing team will be required to qualify for each event, a process that adds an element of challenge and unpredictability, particularly in races with large fields where the maximum of 40 entries is often exceeded. The Daytona 500, the series’ premier event, is also subject to this qualification requirement.

The 23XI Racing program for Heim is strategically designed to provide him with invaluable experience on some of NASCAR’s most prestigious circuits. His schedule is slated to include all four of the series’ "crown jewel" races: the Daytona 500, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway. These iconic events represent significant milestones in any driver’s career and will offer Heim a unique opportunity to test his mettle against the sport’s elite.

Assisting Heim in his Cup Series endeavors will be veteran crew chief Bootie Barker. Barker brings a wealth of experience to the No. 67 team, having overseen hundreds of races from the pit box. His resume includes a significant achievement: leading Bubba Wallace to 23XI Racing’s inaugural Cup Series victory in 2021. This seasoned partnership is expected to provide Heim with strong technical guidance and strategic support as he navigates the complexities of the Cup Series.

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The addition of Heim’s No. 67 entry will expand 23XI Racing’s footprint in the Cup Series to four cars throughout the 2026 season. The team currently fields three full-time entries with drivers Bubba Wallace (No. 23), Riley Herbst (No. 35), and Tyler Reddick (No. 45). Heim’s part-time role will allow 23XI Racing to strategically deploy a fourth car, potentially enhancing their overall competitive presence and data acquisition capabilities across various tracks.

Heim is not a complete newcomer to the Cup Series garage. He has accumulated seven prior Cup Series starts between the 2024 and 2025 seasons, with five of those appearances occurring with 23XI Racing. His most notable performance to date came last year at the Bristol Night Race, where he secured an impressive sixth-place finish. However, his Cup Series debut at the Chicago Street Course in 2025 served as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by non-chartered entries, as he failed to qualify for the event. Despite this setback, it is anticipated that Heim will have a strong opportunity to qualify for the majority of his scheduled races in 2026, particularly outside of the demanding Daytona 500.

Corey Heim’s Planned 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Schedule:

February 15: Daytona 500 (Daytona International Speedway)
April 19: Kansas Speedway
May 3: Texas Motor Speedway
May 24: Coca-Cola 600 (Charlotte Motor Speedway)
May 31: Nashville Superspeedway
June 21: San Diego Street Course (a new addition to the schedule, offering a unique urban racing challenge)
July 5: Chicagoland Speedway
July 26: Brickyard 400 (Indianapolis Motor Speedway)
August 29: Daytona International Speedway
September 6: Southern 500 (Darlington Raceway)
October 11: Charlotte Motor Speedway
November 8: Homestead-Miami Speedway (Season Finale)

The strategic decision to place Heim in a partial Cup Series schedule with a top-tier organization like 23XI Racing has been met with positive reinforcement from team leadership. Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing, expressed confidence in Heim’s future potential. "We know the future is really bright for Corey, and we’re working with him to ensure that he is as prepared as possible when his time comes to race full time," Hamlin stated. "We’re continuing to stick to our plan and taking a long-term approach, while also remaining focused on what is collectively best for our organization and our partners as we look to continue being a competitive, winning organization each weekend."

Dave Rogers, 23XI Racing’s Senior Director of Competition, echoed Hamlin’s sentiments, highlighting Heim’s contributions beyond his on-track performance. "Corey’s development with the team has been impressive and we appreciate his patience and trust in us to prepare him as best as possible," Rogers commented. "He has not only been a great student but has also provided valuable feedback to our team that has helped us grow. We’re looking forward to more races with him this year as he continues to sharpen his skills."

Beyond his scheduled Cup Series starts, Heim is expected to remain deeply integrated with the 23XI Racing competition team. The team’s press release indicated that he will continue to be a "regular participant in all aspects of the competition team as they prepare for and analyze races." This hands-on involvement will provide him with a comprehensive understanding of the team’s operations and strategic decision-making processes. Furthermore, Heim is slated to compete in an as-yet-undisclosed number of Truck Series races with TRICON Garage in 2026, maintaining his presence in the series where he achieved championship glory.

Heim himself expressed enthusiasm for the continued partnership and the developmental path laid out by 23XI Racing. "I’m excited and honored to continue my progression with 23XI," Heim stated. "Every driver wants to race as much as possible, but I’m fully committed to the approach that I am taking with the team. I look forward to more Cup races this year and the opportunity to grow and expand my race-craft on and off the track."

This carefully orchestrated plan by 23XI Racing underscores a commitment to nurturing young talent and building for sustained success in the highly competitive NASCAR Cup Series. Heim’s partial schedule in 2026 serves as a critical bridge, allowing him to gain experience at the sport’s highest level while continuing to hone his skills in the Truck Series. The team’s long-term vision suggests that this move is a significant step towards a potential full-time Cup Series future for the highly regarded driver.

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