Corey Heim’s parents have played a pivotal role in his rapid ascent through NASCAR racing, supporting his journey from local Georgia tracks to success in the national Truck Series. The influence and sacrifice of Corey Heim parents, Lisa and Ray Heim, underpin every milestone, helping the Marietta-raised driver pursue victories at iconic venues such as Daytona and Talladega.
The Early Foundation Behind Corey Heim’s Racing Drive
Corey Heim’s path in motorsport, supported by a dedicated family, reveals much about his perseverance and competitive drive. Born and raised in Marietta, Georgia, Corey has become a familiar name in the racing community, now competing full-time in Tricon Garage’s No. 11 toyota/”>Toyota. He often credits both the tough culture of his hometown and the unwavering backing of his parents for shaping his determination as he takes on major tracks and earns widespread attention from fans and teams alike.
Behind Corey’s impressive tally of 22 Truck Series wins stand Lisa and Ray Heim, who have consistently provided the structure and encouragement he needed. Their steady presence forms the backbone of one of NASCAR’s most promising young talents.
A Look at Lisa and Ray Heim: Partners in Life and Racing
Lisa Heim, Corey’s mother, is a skilled nurse originally from Park Ridge, Illinois. She attended the University of Pittsburgh, building both the medical knowledge and the nurturing sensibility that help balance the family’s high-speed reality with much-needed calm. Lisa’s expertise gives her a unique role within the Heim family, especially when travel or race pressures become overwhelming. Her support lets Corey concentrate on performance, confident that someone’s always watching out for his well-being.
Ray Heim, whose full name is Kevin Heim, hails from the Pittsburgh area, specifically West Deer and Verona. An alumnus of Riverview High School, Ray made the move south to Georgia, pursuing opportunities in both the racing and technology industries. In his earlier days, Ray was a late model racer at Lanier National Speedway, earning several top finishes. Simultaneously, his day job involved the gambling industry, and he once supported Corey’s early racing career by selling slot machine monitors to fund his son’s vehicle entries—a testament to the resourcefulness required in grassroots motorsports.
Today, Ray serves as Chief Technology Officer at Pen-Tech Associates in Kennesaw, Georgia. He has become a mentor at community racing tracks, sharing his experience with local families and aspiring drivers who don’t enjoy the advantages of wealth or connections. His commitment mirrors the grit of his own upbringing and further strengthens the family’s bond to the sport.
While Lisa and Ray keep details about other children private, they channel their energy into fostering Corey’s racing ambitions. Together, Lisa’s health knowledge and Ray’s tactical racing insight merge to support their son’s dynamic path in NASCAR.
The Origin of Lisa and Ray Heim’s Partnership
Little is revealed about how Lisa and Ray first met, as they prefer to keep personal details away from the media spotlight. Reports suggest their relationship may have started in the early 2000s, possibly through mutual acquaintances as Ray transitioned south for work and racing pursuits. The couple’s differing backgrounds—Ray’s working-class roots in Pittsburgh, and Lisa’s Midwest upbringing—may have complemented each other when they came together in the greater Atlanta area.
Their relationship blossomed quietly, and unlike many high-profile racing families, Lisa and Ray have rarely sought attention as a couple. Their decision to remain largely out of the public eye reflects the values they’ve instilled in Corey—a commitment to hard work, humility, and letting results speak louder than headlines. Their home in Marietta, established by 2002, became the base from which Corey launched his thriving racing career.
Family Heritage and Cultural Background
The public record does not specify the exact ethnic backgrounds of Corey Heim’s parents. Lisa and Ray both represent hallmarks of American culture—Ray’s origins in blue-collar Pittsburgh steel towns, and Lisa’s from Park Ridge, Illinois. Both hold American citizenship, and their lives embody the blend of East Coast determination with Midwest steadiness. Growing up with these influences, Corey developed the outlook and speech distinctive of a Georgia native, further grounding him as a driver shaped by diverse regional traditions.
In NASCAR’s world of varied backstories, the Heims are notable for staying true to their origins. Their straightforward, family-centered approach to life and racing puts the focus squarely on achievement and perseverance rather than self-promotion.
Strengthening the Family Bond in Racing
As Corey Heim’s profile rises, the crucial role of his parents remains front and center. The household operates as a close-knit team, with Lisa and Ray providing both emotional strength and practical help. Ray remains invested in the technical side, assisting Corey with car setups and drawing from lessons learned during his time racing Legend cars. Lisa, meanwhile, continues to lend her medical insight, performing post-race wellness checks and supporting Corey through both the highs and lows of competition.
The turning point came early in Corey’s life. At just five years old, Ray surprised him with a go-kart for Christmas, igniting a love of racing that would carry them across the country. What began as simple outings to local tracks evolved into a powerful dynamic that shaped Corey’s resolve and skill set. As Corey shared in an interview,
My dad was always a big NASCAR fan. He raced Legend cars a lot when I was growing up at Lanier,
—Corey Heim, Driver. Those early years cemented the tradition of a father passing on both racing know-how and a passion for the sport.
The pride Ray feels in his son’s evolution is evident:
Since Corey started picking it up, there’s been nothing better to see. He is so dedicated to becoming a better driver. He takes every racing experience and builds on it.
—Ray Heim, Father. Ray’s voice underscores the family’s tireless work ethic and commitment to continual improvement, traits that have helped Corey convert humble beginnings in quarter-midget racing into numerous Truck Series victories.
Lisa’s contributions, though quieter, are just as significant. Her nursing expertise helps anchor Corey during the emotional swings of the racing calendar, providing needed stability and encouragement after both triumph and disappointment. Together, Lisa and Ray have shown that resourcefulness and unity can achieve as much as money or fame in the world of motorsports.
Looking Ahead: Parental Influence Fuels New Ambitions
With Corey Heim now setting his sights on the Xfinity Cup Series and aspiring to compete for Cup title rides, the guiding hand of his parents becomes ever more important. Their endless support and steady presence operate like an ever-present pit crew, keeping his goals within reach even as the challenges—and the stakes—intensify.
Fans and observers in NASCAR circles have taken note not just of Corey’s on-track skills, but of the values and dedication instilled by his family. Whether cheering from their Georgia home in Marietta or supporting Corey at marquee racing venues like Martinsville, Lisa and Ray Heim are a testament to how family support, perseverance, and humility can produce excellence on the sport’s biggest stages.
As Corey Heim continues his rise in NASCAR, the strength and unity of his family—particularly the irreplaceable role of his parents—will remain essential to his ongoing success story.
