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Indianapolis, IN – Corey Heim’s meteoric rise in the NASCAR Cup Series has taken another significant leap, solidifying his status as a potential future superstar for 23XI Racing. Just weeks after being officially announced as a full-time competitor in the Cup Series for 2024, Heim has delivered a series of dominant performances, culminating in a victory at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway in the Brickyard 400. This latest triumph, his second in just eight Cup Series starts this season, underscores a trajectory that has even seasoned observers like his crew chief, Bootie Barker, calling him "more talented than everybody else."
The 23-year-old from Marietta, Georgia, has not only achieved remarkable success in his limited Cup Series appearances but has also continued his dominance in the NASCAR Truck Series, securing three wins in six starts this season. This dual success across different series, before even embarking on his inaugural full-time Cup campaign, is a rare feat that speaks volumes about Heim’s raw talent and adaptability.
Barker, Heim’s crew chief, expressed a sentiment that borders on awe, acknowledging the high caliber of competition in the Cup Series while maintaining his firm belief in Heim’s exceptional abilities. "I think everybody thinks I’m always joking, but he’s more talented than everybody else," Barker stated. "That’s almost a disservice to some of the great drivers here, but that’s not the case. Like all the people we were racing at the end are the best of the best, tremendous. Show much respect to them, but Corey is there in talent. Corey is also there in work ethic. He’s there as far as a mentality. He has all that now. That’s no guarantee going forward, but right now he has it."
The early validation of Heim’s potential was evident even before his Cup Series announcement. During the antitrust lawsuit involving 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR, a text message exchange between team co-owners Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan was made public. In it, Hamlin urged the signing of Heim to a multi-year deal, to which Jordan famously responded with a directive to "lock him up." This foresight proved accurate, as 23XI Racing secured Heim’s commitment.
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Steve Lauletta, President of 23XI Racing, echoed the sentiments of Hamlin and Barker, highlighting Heim’s comprehensive skillset and mature approach. "Bootie mentioned it, Denny has many times before," Lauletta said. "That’s why Denny has had his eye on him and why Toyota has invested in Corey as much. His approach, his work ethic, his race craft. Just the amount of discipline that he has and maturity that he has just really shows in all of his preparation. The relationship he’s built with everybody at (the shop) (and) with the other drivers. I just think he’s mature beyond his years and it’s showing in a very quick way."
The Brickyard 400 victory was not without its dramatic moments. Heim lost the lead on a crucial restart when Joey Logano attempted a daring three-wide maneuver, momentarily disrupting Heim’s momentum and allowing Denny Hamlin to surge ahead. However, fortunes shifted with a subsequent caution, and in the final laps, Logano provided a crucial push that propelled Heim back to the front and ultimately to victory.
"As we wound down, I was sitting there talking to my spotter Eddie (D’Hondt) and crew chief Bootie," Heim recounted. "They both just said, ‘We got to muscle up on this restart’ and ‘This is more than likely going to decide the outcome of the race.’ That was before Denny got the lead on me. Joey tried to put me three there, kill both of our momentum. That got Denny the lead. I thought that was potentially the race. Got another caution. ‘Here we go, might have a shot at it.’ Then Joey gave me a really good push up front."
Heim’s statistical achievements are already placing him in elite company. With two wins in his first 15 Cup Series starts (including his part-time entries), he has achieved a feat not seen since Davey Allison and Tim Richmond in 1987. Furthermore, he is the first driver since the legendary A.J. Foyt in 1965 to win two of his initial 15 starts.
Despite these impressive milestones, Heim maintains a grounded perspective. "I’m not much of a stats guy, honestly," he admitted. "Sounds like it’s a pretty good one. Definitely cool to be included with a guy like that. Been a crazy year so far. To win two of my first 15 is something I never thought I would accomplish, but here we are. It’s a crazy feeling."
The victory at Indianapolis is particularly significant, adding his name to a prestigious list of Brickyard 400 winners that includes NASCAR Hall of Famers such as Jeff Gordon, Dale Earnhardt, Bill Elliott, Dale Jarrett, Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart, and Jimmie Johnson. To achieve this before even beginning his full-time Cup Series career is an extraordinary accomplishment.
"It’s cool to talk about, I guess," Heim said with his characteristic understatement. "I don’t really ever keep up with how many crown jewel wins most guys have, I guess. Yeah, I mean, just to be able to win it for myself is just insane. Just super thankful for 23XI, Toyota, everyone that put me in position to do this. Hopefully cross some more off in my career. Who knows, maybe we can win all of them one day. We’ll see."
The early success of Corey Heim suggests that his full-time Cup Series debut in 2024 could be the catalyst for 23XI Racing to solidify its position as a championship contender. The team, co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and NASCAR star Denny Hamlin, has been steadily building its program since its inception in 2020. With drivers like Bubba Wallace already established, the addition of Heim’s prodigious talent creates a formidable lineup.
The organizational depth at 23XI Racing is further bolstered by its affiliation with Toyota Racing Development (TRD), which provides an extensive technical and developmental support system. This partnership has been instrumental in nurturing talent like Heim, providing him with opportunities in the Truck Series and now the Cup Series. The team’s investment in Heim, coupled with his immediate success, points towards a long-term strategy focused on developing homegrown talent into championship contenders.
As the NASCAR season progresses, all eyes will be on Corey Heim and his #67 23XI Racing Toyota. His performance thus far has defied expectations and positioned him as a driver to watch not just for the remainder of this season, but for years to come. The early indications are clear: Corey Heim’s time is now, and 23XI Racing appears to have already unearthed a true superstar.
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