Corey Heim Cup Series breakout performance drew unexpected attention at Bristol Motor Speedway on Saturday night, as the Truck Series talent clinched a sixth-place finish in just his fourth Cup Series start, outpacing Riley Herbst. Heim’s strong showing for 23XI Racing marked his second top-15 result of the season, highlighting a remarkable rise in the Cup Series ranks.
Impressive Results at Bristol Highlight Heim’s Progress
Corey Heim, recognized for his prowess in the Truck Series, made his presence felt at the high-stakes Bristol Motor Speedway. Piloting the 23XI No. 67 car under the lights, the Georgia native built upon earlier season success at Bristol, where he previously finished third in the Weather Guard Truck Race and eighth during the SciAps 300 in the Xfinity Series. This latest sixth-place finish demonstrated that his achievements on the short track were no coincidence but the result of consistent skill.
Bristol’s race carried even more weight as it served as the season’s first playoff elimination event, attracting NASCAR’s top drivers who competed fiercely for every spot. In this challenging environment, Heim managed to outperform several established Cup Series heavyweights—including Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace—by securing a top-six finish, remarkable for a part-timer with only four Cup Series appearances in 2025.
Heim’s Cup Series campaign began in May at Kansas Speedway, where he delivered a solid 13th-place result. While not every outing went smoothly, including a DNF at Nashville and a 29th-place at Richmond, his Bristol success put him back in the spotlight. The consistency he’s shown stands out against expectations placed on rookies and part-time drivers alike.
“With his 6th place finish, Corey Heim now has more Top 15’s than Riley Herbst this season in his 4th start (2).” —No Context NASCAR
This latest achievement means Heim now has two top-15 results in four races—putting him ahead of full-time 23XI Racing driver Riley Herbst, who has only one such finish after 29 events this season. Herbst’s own 18th-place finish at Bristol was his best since July but failed to match Heim’s level of performance as a Cup Series newcomer.
Herbst’s Full-Time Transition Raises Questions for 23XI Racing
Riley Herbst, after achieving three Xfinity Series wins, entered the Cup Series full-time in 2025 with 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by Michael Jordan. Herbst took over the No. 35 entry, competing alongside Bubba Wallace in the No. 23 and Tyler Reddick in the No. 45, as 23XI aimed to establish itself as a Cup Series powerhouse.
However, Herbst’s adaptation to Cup competition has presented challenges. His current average finish stands at 26.24 for the season, with his only top-15 performance coming earlier at Texas Motor Speedway during the Wurth 400. For 23XI, expectations were high that Herbst would bolster the team’s profile, but results have so far not matched that ambition, leaving the organization evaluating their driver lineup as they look to the future.
Reports suggest that Corey Heim will see increased Cup Series involvement with 23XI Racing in a fourth car during the next season, contingent on ongoing developments with the team’s NASCAR lawsuit. Meanwhile, Heim is also slated for additional Xfinity Series action with Sam Hunt Racing, though details are not yet finalized as his schedule remains in flux.
In the meantime, Heim stays focused on capturing the Craftsman Truck Series championship. With eight wins in 20 starts—including three victories in his last four outings—he continues to prove his talents extend beyond the Truck Series. His recent Cup Series showing reinforces that he is prepared for greater opportunities if and when they arise.
What Heim’s Emergence Means for NASCAR’s Competitive Landscape
Corey Heim’s standout performance during his Cup Series breakout, particularly in high-pressure scenarios like the Bristol playoff elimination race, signals a potential shift among the series’ rising stars. His ability to surpass more experienced competitors positions him as a contender for future opportunities with 23XI Racing and potentially beyond.
For Riley Herbst, his debut Cup Series season raises questions about his fit and performance, given his struggles to secure top-15 results even as a full-time driver. With Heim’s strong entries despite limited appearances, team dynamics at Michael Jordan’s 23XI Racing could evolve, keeping NASCAR’s roster and rivalries highly competitive as new talent emerges.
