23XI Racing promotes Corey Heim Richmond opportunity, giving the accomplished Truck Series driver another shot at NASCAR’s top level with a Cup Series start at Richmond Raceway this season. This move, spearheaded by team co-owners Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, underscores Heim’s impressive track record in the Truck Series and their growing confidence in his potential for the future.
Corey Heim’s Success in the Truck Series and the Road to the Cup
Since entering the NASCAR Truck Series in 2021, Corey Heim has quickly made a name for himself by capturing 16 victories over 80 starts. Last year, Heim led the field with six wins, finishing as the runner-up and establishing himself as one of the main contenders in the series. Currently, Heim holds the top spot in this season’s standings, boasting five wins, ten finishes in the top five, and a significant points lead over Chandler Smith, who sits in second place with 735 points.
Despite his standout performance, Heim has not yet received a full-time ride in the Cup Series or the Xfinity Series, which is an unusual situation for a driver with his level of achievement. However, 23XI Racing, with guidance from both Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, has identified Heim as a promising talent and added him to their roster of developmental drivers this year.
Testing Heim’s Skills Across Multiple Track Types
23XI Racing began evaluating Heim in the Cup Series, first at Kansas Speedway, where he stunned many by finishing 13th in the No. 67 car—his best result so far at this level. He was then given the chance to compete at Nashville, starting toward the back in 33rd position and climbing as high as 12th before a run-in with Brad Keselowski ended his day early. Heim also attempted to qualify at the Chicago Street Circuit but crashed during qualifying and did not make the race lineup.
Now, the team is bringing Heim back for another Cup Series outing, this time at the short track of Richmond Raceway. According to journalist Joseph Sirgley, Heim will again drive the Robinhood-sponsored car for the event, following previous appearances with the same sponsor at Kansas and Chicago. This ongoing involvement demonstrates 23XI Racing’s desire to see how Heim adapts to various track types, including intermediates, a road course, and now a short track, with speculation about a Superspeedway opportunity possibly in the future.
Future Prospects and Team Insights on Heim’s Path
Although Heim has demonstrated skill and adaptability across these opportunities, there are currently no clear signs that 23XI Racing plans to position him in a full-time Cup Series seat for 2026. Denny Hamlin, co-owner of the team, commented on their approach to Heim’s development:
“For us, we’re going to run him in some races this year, going to run him in some more races next year, and just see where the future holds for him. We’re excited to give him that opportunity. He deserves it. I’m glad that he chose 23XI.”
—Denny Hamlin, Co-Owner, 23XI Racing
This cautious but encouraging outlook keeps Heim’s future open, with the possibility of more races and new challenges ahead. While a full-time ride might not be on the horizon immediately, the door remains open for continued growth and exposure at NASCAR’s highest level.
The decision by 23XI Racing to promote Corey Heim for another Cup Series start at Richmond highlights the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent and testing their abilities in diverse and demanding conditions. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Heim to see how he continues to perform and where his NASCAR journey will take him next.
