In a surprising twist for the 2026 racing season, Corey Heim, the recently crowned NASCAR Truck Series champion, will not be racing full-time in any national series, despite anticipation from fans for his entry into a permanent Cup or Xfinity seat. The latest Corey Heim NASCAR 2026 updates reveal that while he proved his skill across multiple series and signed a multi-year contract as a development driver with 23XI Racing, Heim will participate only in selected events as the new season unfolds in less than four weeks.
Unexpected Changes for Corey Heim’s 2026 Racing Plans
At just 23 years old, Corey Heim’s stellar performance last season led him to the Truck Series title in October, yet a full-time Cup ride remains out of reach for now. His role as a development driver for 23XI Racing, under a multi-year agreement, included a blend of part-time Cup starts and an Xfinity schedule with Sam Hunt Racing, but did not lead to the full-time opportunity fans expected. Despite winning races and being recognized as a leading Toyota talent, Heim did not secure a complete Xfinity series contract with Joe Gibbs Racing or any Cup team for 2026.
Rather than a full campaign, Heim’s 2026 calendar features select starts in both the Cup and Truck Series. Veteran journalist Bob Pockrass provided insight on Heim’s schedule, stating,
“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.”
—Bob Pockrass, Veteran NASCAR Reporter
This tempered schedule leaves Heim’s supporters both puzzled and hopeful, as his part-time participation keeps him visible but prevents him from contesting a full-season championship.
Leadership Shakeups and Rule Changes Mark NASCAR’s Offseason
The offseason has also been defined by significant leadership changes. Steve Phelps, who joined NASCAR in 2005 and rose to become its first commissioner after serving as president, announced his resignation effective at the end of January 2026, just ahead of the Daytona International Speedway season opener. His decision came amid controversy following revelations in an ongoing antitrust lawsuit that exposed contentious internal messages, prompting criticism from fans and sponsors alike. NASCAR said Phelps’s departure was a personal choice and promptly began searching for his replacement.
Coinciding with Phelps’s exit, NASCAR revealed a major alteration to its championship format for 2026, reverting to ‘The Chase’ across all three national series. The format brings back a points reset over the final 10 races, rewarding season-long consistency rather than just late-season performance. While some welcomed the return of this system, fans hoping for a full-season points format voiced their frustration at the decision.
Truck Series Draws Big Names for High-Profile Comebacks
The Truck Series makes headlines with the return of some of racing’s most recognized figures in 2026. Three-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart is set to make a long-awaited comeback at the Daytona opener, piloting a Ram truck for Kaulig Racing as part of the nascent Free Agent program. This marks Stewart’s first participation in a NASCAR national series since 2016, and his initial Truck Series appearance in over twenty years.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. will also enter the Truck Series fray, making his debut for Niece Motorsports at Daytona before competing in Atlanta’s event with the No. 45 Chevrolet. Meanwhile, seven-time Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson plans a special one-off Truck race with Tricon Garage at a San Diego street venue, ending his 17-year absence from the series.
2026 Cup Series Roster Remains Largely Unchanged
The Cup Series heading into 2026 features minimal driver turnover, making this one of the more stable offseasons in recent history. Only two drivers will occupy new full-time Cup roles: Connor Zilisch, who earned a step up to a full season with Trackhouse Racing after an impressive, win-filled campaign in the Xfinity Series, replaces Daniel Suárez in the No. 88 Chevrolet. In turn, Suárez transitions to Spire Motorsports to take the wheel of the No. 7 Chevrolet.
This limited movement among Cup drivers reflects relative organizational stability, providing established teams an opportunity to maintain their momentum into the upcoming year. Despite this, the lack of dramatic shifts may disappoint fans craving new storylines or notable rookies in the Cup lineup.
What’s Ahead for NASCAR and Corey Heim?
As the countdown to the 2026 NASCAR season continues, both established stars and emerging talents like Corey Heim face new challenges amid ongoing regulatory and structural changes. The combination of high-profile comebacks, revised championship rules, and notable leadership shifts injects both anticipation and uncertainty into the sport. Corey Heim’s part-time schedule ensures he stays active in top-level racing while leaving the door open for future opportunities as team strategies and sponsorships evolve. All eyes now turn to Daytona and beyond, as the unpredictable nature of motorsport promises new developments throughout the year.
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
