Corey Heim, the recent NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion, is set to make his debut effort at qualifying for the Daytona 500 as part of 23XI Racing Daytona 500 entry this February in Daytona Beach. The 23-year-old from Marietta, Georgia, will drive the No. 67 Toyota as an open competitor, requiring him to secure his place on race day either through timed qualifying or by succeeding in the Duel events.
This moment marks a major leap for Heim, who just wrapped up a remarkable 2025 Truck Series season by securing 12 wins—a single-season record—and earning his first championship, boosting his profile among emerging talents in NASCAR. Coming off such a dominant campaign, Heim’s transition to the Cup Series signals his readiness for a new challenge, provided by 23XI Racing’s continued growth and bold moves.
Expanded Sponsorship Fuels Heim’s Ambitions
Heim’s Daytona 500 endeavor coincides with a strengthened relationship between 23XI Racing and Robinhood, a leading financial services firm. Robinhood will back several races for the team during the 2026 season, including sponsoring Bubba Wallace’s No. 23 Toyota at notable Cup Series events such as the Cook Out Clash, Circuit of the Americas, and at Phoenix Raceway, solidifying the partnership’s visibility on some of NASCAR’s biggest stages.
Returning to the No. 67 Toyota—a car he previously piloted in four Cup Series events in 2025—Heim brings not only familiarity with 23XI’s equipment but also proven performance. His best Cup finish to date, a sixth place at Bristol Motor Speedway, underscored his capability to hold his own at the upper level of stock car racing. This experience will be pivotal as he attempts to compete against seasoned Cup drivers at Daytona.
Milestones Await Heim and 23XI Racing
If Heim manages to qualify, it would break new ground for both the driver and the team. For 23XI Racing, it would mark the organization’s debut attempt fielding four cars in the Daytona 500—a historic expansion. The No. 67 car, last raced in the Daytona 500 by Travis Pastrana in 2023, stands to return to the venue with Heim behind the wheel.
“It means a lot to me to have the opportunity to represent Robinhood again this season, and it’s extra special to do so at the Daytona 500. Coming off a great season last year, I’m excited to continue my growth as a driver.”
— Corey Heim, Driver
The road to the 40-car field is formidable. As an open entry, Heim must either post the fastest time among non-chartered entries on February 11 or be the top open finisher in one of two Duel races the next evening on February 12. The qualification process means only two open entries will join the established lineup, making each attempt critical.
Team Confidence and Looking Ahead to February
Leadership within 23XI Racing, including team president Steve Lauletta, has expressed faith in Heim and the boosted Robinhood partnership, pointing to the distinctive Robin Neon color scheme set to compete for a spot in the iconic event.
“We’re proud to have Robinhood growing with our team and excited to see the Robin Neon paint scheme competing for a starting spot at the Daytona 500,”
— Steve Lauletta, 23XI Racing Team President
The stage is set for Heim to seize what may be the defining opportunity of his early career as the 68th Daytona 500 approaches, scheduled for February 15 and televised nationally on FOX. For Heim and 23XI Racing, the endeavor symbolizes not just the return of the No. 67—and the chance to compete among NASCAR’s elite—but also a moment to cement partnerships and break new ground in the world’s most famous stock car race.
