Corey Heim exited the NASCAR Cup Series race in Nashville earlier than expected after a collision with Brad Keselowski, bringing his night to a premature end. The incident occurred during Heim’s second Cup start of the season, underscoring the challenges of moving up from the Truck Series as he later took responsibility for the crash.
Heim’s Collision with Keselowski Ends His Run
During the Nashville race, Corey Heim came up on Brad Keselowski’s No. 6 car and made an ill-timed move that caused him to spin out, resulting in car damage that forced him to withdraw. This setback followed a difficult weekend for Heim despite his strong second-place finish to Rajah Caruth in the Truck Series, where dirty air made overtaking nearly impossible.
The specific Cup Series incident was attributed to a lack of clear space while Heim attempted to move in front of Keselowski. He acknowledged his error soon after in a candid social media post, stating,
“That one’s on me. Proud of [23XI Racing] for the speed we brought today, frustrated with myself for ending our day early,”
—Corey Heim, Driver
The admission reflects Heim’s frustration, but also his respect for the 23XI Racing team’s efforts. Stepping out of the care center, he attempted to move forward from the disappointment.
A Difficult Weekend Despite Truck Series Success
Heim’s Nashville appearance caps a mixed stint for the young driver, who continues to be dominant in the Truck Series. Second to none in terms of laps led—812 laps in only 12 races, a record for the first part of the season—his consistency sets a high bar for peers like Chandler Smith, who sits at just 188 laps led across the same stretch.

Heim’s recent loss to Rajah Caruth in the Truck Series, and his ongoing rivalry with Layne Riggs, have highlighted his competitiveness and willingness to push for the lead. This tension peaked at North Wilkesboro when Riggs knocked Heim out of contention for a win. Each race reflects both his raw speed and learning curve at higher competition levels.
Limited Cup Opportunities and Rising Pressure
NASCAR Cup Series starts remain rare for Heim, who competes part-time and faces stiffer competition for a full-season ride. With Riley Herbst filling the third car at 23XI Racing, Heim’s selection remains complicated by sponsorship availability and team strategy, despite widespread support for his talent and potential as a future full-time Cup driver.
His role as a development driver for 23XI Racing positions him well for the future, but for now, he must maintain patience while building his resume. Heim’s Cup outing in Nashville provided valuable experience, even if it ended early, and those close to the sport see each attempt as another step closer to a lasting opportunity.
What This Means for Heim’s Season
The disappointment in Nashville underscores the pressure and challenge for drivers like Corey Heim making the jump to the NASCAR Cup Series. As he continues to dominate in the Truck Series and take part-time Cup opportunities, each race serves as both a test and a showcase. For the fans, fellow drivers, and organizations watching the evolving Cup roster, Heim remains a driver with notable potential and drive.
Now, Heim looks ahead to his next on-track outing, determined to learn from his mistakes while building on the impressive foundation set during his standout Truck Series season. His development journey continues, and future Cup chances may rest on both his resilience and continued strong performances in the highly competitive world of NASCAR.