As the 2026 NASCAR season approaches, speculation about 23XI Racing Corey Heim plans has increased, with the team’s direction for the young driver beginning to emerge. Despite his outstanding success last year, Heim enters this season unattached to a full-time seat, while 23XI Racing is set to focus on his development across multiple series.
Heim’s Standout Performance and Current Status
Corey Heim recently concluded an impressive Craftsman Truck Series season with Tricon Garage, setting a new record for most single-season wins at twelve. Although Heim vacated the No. 11 Toyota seat, which now opens opportunities for another rising talent, his own next steps remain closely watched. Heim continues as a development driver with the Cup Series team 23XI Racing, operated by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, underscoring his value to the organization.
23XI Racing’s Stable Roster and Legal Resolution
Looking ahead to 2026, 23XI Racing is retaining its established lineup from the previous year, with Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick, and Riley Herbst all returning in full-time Cup Series roles. This stability follows the reinstatement of the team’s three full-time charters. The return of these charters came after an extended dispute over charter agreements, highlighted by a high-profile antitrust lawsuit in which 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports challenged NASCAR in late 2024. After eight days in court, the outcome secured all 36 existing charters on a permanent basis, following a financial settlement that benefits teams like 23XI.
Emerging Plans for Heim’s 2026 Season
With their Cup Series future secured, 23XI Racing is turning its attention to refining its roster strategy and providing growth pathways for promising drivers. According to Bob Pockrass, the organization intends for Corey Heim to participate in more than ten Cup Series races in 2026. He will also make select appearances in the Truck Series but will not maintain full-time status in either series, which will make him ineligible for a season-long championship run. This expanded but still part-time schedule builds on Heim’s previous Cup Series experience, which included several starts for both Jimmie Johnson’s Legacy Motor Club and 23XI Racing during 2024 and 2025.
Heim’s expected entries with 23XI Racing may see him behind the wheel of either the No. 50 or No. 67 Toyota, offering valuable preparation for a potential full-time role with the team in the future.
Heim’s Perspective on His Racing Journey
Corey Heim addressed his evolving position within NASCAR as the new season approached, underscoring the experience gained from participation over long-term planning.
“I look at it more of the sense that every race in the Cup Series is a privilege to be a part of, and it’s a good experience for me regardless of whether I’m full-time or not in ‘27,”
Heim said.
Heim elaborated on his mindset, sharing his focus and faith in his support network.
“I’m kind of an eyes-forward week-by-week kind of guy, so I’m just kind of focusing on the task at hand.”
Heim said.
“I’ve always kept faith in the people around me that they can kind of figure out how to put me in the best position to succeed and I feel like next year I mean I’ll probably have influence over it a little bit I guess but for the most part it’s just kind of trusting them that they know what they’re doing.”
Heim said.
What the Next Step Means for Heim and 23XI Racing
Although Corey Heim may not have a full-time seat for 2026, these expanded Cup Series opportunities serve as crucial experience-building phases for the young driver. With leadership from figures such as Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin, and the organization’s now-permanent charters, 23XI Racing can invest confidently in Heim’s NASCAR development. These moves, combined with continued mentorship and strategic race selections, may lay the groundwork for Heim’s transition to a permanent Cup Series role as soon as 2027, positioning him among the most closely watched prospects in the sport.
Yes. Expecting several Cup races (more than 10) for Corey Heim for 23XI Racing and some truck starts. Won't be full time in a specific series. https://t.co/xHuii95mo2
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 16, 2026
Corey Heim on whether he is lobbying for a certain number of Cup races on his 2026 schedule and how he views 2026, where it doesn't seem as if he will race full time in any series but instead run a mix of national series events: @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/2dc6VvWhjU
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 4, 2025
