Kevin Harvick on Corey Heim RFK move took center stage during a recent episode of Harvick’s Happy Hour, as the retired champion speculated about a significant shift in the NASCAR Cup Series for 2026. Harvick discussed the prospects of Brad Keselowski retiring from full-time racing and whether Corey Heim, one of the Truck Series‘ biggest talents, could switch from toyota/”>Toyota to take over the No. 6 car at RFK Racing.
Harvick sparks debate about RFK Racing’s next step
During his show, Harvick brought up the possibility of RFK Racing luring Corey Heim away from Toyota if Brad Keselowski decides to step back from full-time competition in the near future. While Heim is often described as the brightest young star in the Truck Series, his path to the Cup Series with Toyota appears blocked, leaving his next move uncertain. Harvick’s speculation comes as teams like ford/”>Ford and chevrolet/”>Chevrolet could see an opportunity to recruit Heim should Toyota’s lineup remain closed off to him for 2026.
Harvick commented on Keselowski’s racing prospects, saying,
“I don’t know if they’re ever going to be back in a position where they’re going to win multiple races with that car. It’s going to be very difficult to do,”
—Kevin Harvick, former NASCAR Cup Series champion. He noted the ongoing changes in the car’s design, driving techniques, and broader racing styles, adding more complexity for drivers considering their futures at teams like RFK Racing.
Could Corey Heim make the switch from Toyota to Ford?
While Corey Heim’s potential is well recognized across the NASCAR world, the lack of available seats at Toyota-affiliated Cup Series teams has cast doubt on his ascent to the top level. Harvick weighed in on this by stating,
“I think, if you could go get Corey Heim and put him in there? It’s a good conversation. Not a bad conversation. I think it’d be hard to get him out of the Toyota camp, but there’s nowhere for him to go,”
—Kevin Harvick, former NASCAR Cup Series champion.
Heim’s departure from Toyota would significantly impact both the automaker and its plans for developing young talent. For Ford and RFK Racing, acquiring Heim could add fresh energy, but it would pose a serious challenge for Toyota’s long-term program.
Brad Keselowski’s racing future brings uncertainty
The prospect of Brad Keselowski retiring without any prior notice would surprise much of the garage, considering his status as a former Cup Series champion and his recent uptick in performance. In the 2025 season, Keselowski rebounded from a rough start to nearly win in Atlanta and secured a victory at Darlington Raceway in 2024, demonstrating he remains competitive, especially on traditional NASCAR tracks.
His current standing makes a playoff berth by points unlikely, so winning will be crucial if he wants to make the Top 16 field. However, road course racing has never been his strength, adding another layer of difficulty in the fight for postseason qualification.
What’s at stake with possible changes at RFK Racing?
If Harvick’s scenario were to unfold, the impact would reverberate through multiple layers of the NASCAR world. Toyota would lose one of its star prospects in Corey Heim, potentially benefiting rival Ford and RFK Racing with an influx of new talent. It’s clear that should Brad Keselowski choose to retire, it would reshape RFK’s lineup and the Cup Series landscape overall. Whether these changes come to pass or remain in the realm of speculation, the conversation highlights the complex decisions facing drivers, teams, and manufacturers as Cup Series opportunities remain fiercely contested.
The situation is ambiguous and layered, with questions lingering about how soon such shifts could take place—or if they will happen at all. What develops next for Brad Keselowski, Corey Heim, and RFK Racing will be watched closely by fans and industry insiders alike, as the future of several major players in NASCAR hangs in the balance.
