Corey Heim’s NASCAR 2026 future remains unclear after Kaden Honeycutt secured the #11 truck seat, with Tricon Garage announcing that Heim will not rejoin for the upcoming season. Despite winning the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship, Heim, a prominent driver who helped lead Tricon Garage through a record-setting campaign, has not landed a full-time position for 2026, raising questions about his next step in the sport.
Heim’s 2025 season was marked by a dominant run, resulting in 12 race victories—a series high—and consistent top performances throughout the campaign. As the 2026 season nears, the 23-year-old finds himself sidelined from a full-time spot, not only in the Craftsman Truck Series but also in the higher-profile Xfinity and Cup Series, despite his credentials and recent success with Tricon Garage.
Factors Affecting Heim’s 2026 Prospects
Rumors have circulated suggesting Heim will not participate as a regular driver in any major NASCAR series next year, despite taking the championship title. Several underlying factors have contributed to this situation. The market for seats in both the Cup and Xfinity Series is crowded, making it increasingly difficult for new or returning talent to secure full-time rides. Additionally, Heim has limited backing from personal sponsors, which places him at a disadvantage compared to drivers with considerable financial support.
A significant influence comes from Heim’s development ties with Toyota Racing Development and 23XI Racing. As a development driver, his placement within teams is largely dictated by Toyota and its Cup affiliate, 23XI, who have signaled that priority for upcoming full-time positions is being given to other drivers, including Riley Herbst. With no confirmed openings among the top-tier Cup seats, Heim is expected to run a partial schedule for 2026, potentially encompassing Truck, Xfinity, or select Cup events.
Speculation earlier suggested a possible move to Sam Hunt Racing. However, it remains uncertain if Sam Hunt will expand its program or add a third car, leaving Heim’s association with that organization unresolved for the upcoming season. The lack of clarity around his career direction stands in contrast to his recent achievements.
Reflecting on a Dominant Championship Season
During the 2025 season with Tricon Garage, Corey Heim delivered a commanding performance in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Serving his third full-time campaign, he secured seven pole positions, reached victory lane 12 times, logged 19 top-five and 21 top-10 finishes, and led an impressive 1,627 laps. His average finish of 5.4 over 25 races underscored his consistency and competitive edge. The championship was clinched at Phoenix in the season-finale, where Heim executed two dramatic overtime restarts to lock in his first national NASCAR title.
Heim credited his Tricon Garage teammates and staff for the year’s success, emphasizing the collective effort and the culture that developed within the #11 crew:
“It’s such a team effort at the end of the day. Like, those guys have consistently set me up with winning equipment, and Scott (Zipadelli, No. 11 crew chief), being the captain of the team, he’s been the guy to keep that whole crew together since 2023. We’ve had literally every single person other than pit crew together on that 11 crew from the middle of 2023, so it’s obviously guys that want to work for him. It’s really a big family, honestly. It feels like a family, and I want it to be remembered that way.”
This 2025 title run solidified Heim’s reputation as one of the most effective drivers in recent Truck Series history. He currently stands with a career total of 23 race victories and 68 top-10 finishes over 89 appearances in the series, proving both his talent and ability to deliver consistent results for teams like Tricon Garage.
What Lies Ahead for Heim Amid Uncertainty
As speculation continues regarding Corey Heim’s NASCAR 2026 future, the absence of a full-time ride represents a significant shift from his recent championship success. The intersection of crowded rosters, sponsor limitations, and the developmental focus at Toyota Racing Development creates a complicated landscape for Heim and other emerging drivers.
The situation remains fluid, with opportunities possibly emerging later in the year if seats open up due to team expansions, driver changes, or new sponsorship deals. Until then, Heim is anticipated to undertake a mix of part-time schedules across truck, Xfinity, and potential Cup events under the guidance of 23XI and Toyota as a development driver. His career path exemplifies how success on the track does not always guarantee a secure spot in upper-tier racing, and it will be closely watched by fans and the broader NASCAR community as 2026 approaches.
