Corey Heim’s impressive performance in the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series has placed him in the spotlight as one of Toyota’s most promising young drivers, yet talk of Ty Gibbs rivalry with Corey Heim continues to overshadow the possibility of a future with Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR). Despite Heim’s recent triumphs, questions linger as to why he remains absent from a full-time seat in JGR’s upper-tier teams, especially when his recent championship win sets him apart.
The ARCA Clash That Continues to Shape Careers
Heim, who dominated the 2025 Truck Series by clinching both regular-season and championship titles with 12 victories, has cemented his reputation as a standout driver for Toyota. His versatility across a range of tracks—from short ovals to superspeedways—adds to his credentials, further reinforcing the notion that his skills should have prompted a swift move to one of NASCAR’s premier divisions. Still, a critical moment from Heim’s racing past is believed to be a substantial obstacle: the unresolved rivalry with Ty Gibbs, Joe Gibbs’s grandson.
The tension between Heim and Gibbs dates back to their intense 2021 ARCA Menards Series battle. Both drivers were seen as rising stars, turning the championship fight into a highly publicized feud that saw them clash repeatedly across more than 20 races. The conflict escalated at Winchester when Gibbs spun Heim out for a win, fueling a series of pointed interviews and on-track altercations. This long-running animosity has never been fully addressed by either party, leaving many within the NASCAR circle to speculate about its ongoing impact on Heim’s career path.
Insiders’ Perspective: Why Hasn’t JGR Opened the Door?
Several respected insiders have offered insight into why Heim has been unable to secure a coveted spot with JGR. Fox Sports reporter Bob Pockrass responded to speculation regarding Heim possibly joining JGR, stating,
If JGR wanted Heim, they would have had him in the car this year. The ARCA battles between him and Ty apparently don’t make that a good fit.
— Bob Pockrass, Fox Sports
Echoing this viewpoint, Freddie Kraft, spotter for Bubba Wallace’s 23XI Racing team, shared his own thoughts:
This is a meeting when I first sat down with Geo… you don’t know the things you do. How can it affect you down the road? … It’s no secret that him and Ty don’t like each other from their days racing in America and I can’t imagine that that’s not what’s keeping him out of a JGR car.
— Freddie Kraft, 23XI Racing Spotter
The reluctance to pair Heim and Gibbs in the same organization persists, with multiple insiders insisting that the unresolved feud and mutual distrust continue to override Heim’s accomplishments and abilities. Reports indicate that although twelve different drivers have raced for JGR in the Xfinity Series this year—including veterans like Aric Almirola—Heim has not been given that chance, even as seats became temporarily available.
The Broader Impact on Toyota’s Racing Pipeline
Heim’s continued absence from JGR’s roster is raising questions not just about personal rivalries but also about Toyota’s long-term driver development. Insiders wonder why the automaker itself has not intervened to broker a reconciliation, especially as Heim’s patience is tested and JGR’s current prospects face their own struggles at the Cup Series level. There are growing calls within the sport for veteran Joe Gibbs to facilitate a meeting between Heim, Ty Gibbs, and decision-makers, potentially diffusing long-standing issues from their ARCA days.
While Gibbs has yet to solidify his legacy in the No. 54 Toyota since stepping into a full-time Cup Series role, the situation creates a dilemma for both the team and Toyota. Heim’s current dominance in the Truck ranks, combined with his demonstrated skill and marketability, underscores the missed potential for one of NASCAR’s top organizations. Key figures such as Bob Pockrass, Freddie Kraft, and other insiders maintain that unless the rift between Heim and Ty Gibbs is resolved, Heim’s path to JGR will remain blocked, potentially altering Toyota’s championship ambitions for seasons to come.
As the 2026 season approaches, the Ty Gibbs rivalry with Corey Heim will continue to be a pivotal storyline in NASCAR, with the decisions made by JGR and Toyota set to impact not only these young drivers’ futures but also the shape of the entire racing landscape.
If JGR wanted Heim, they would have had him in the car this year. The ARCA battles between him and Ty apparently don't make that a good fit.
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 7, 2025
