Corey Heim, the current Craftsman Truck Series champion, will race in a select schedule of a dozen NASCAR Cup Series events with 23XI Racing during the 2026 season, including the anticipated season-opener at Daytona. This strategic expansion marks Heim’s move into the Cup Series as part of a developmental role with the team, with plans carefully crafted to prepare him for future opportunities.
Heim’s Select Schedule with 23XI Racing
On Friday, 23XI Racing revealed that Corey Heim will take part in several NASCAR Cup Series races in 2026, starting with the legendary Daytona 500 on February 15, pending his qualification in Open entries. If successful, this event will kick off a 12-race campaign for Heim, offering him a diverse mix of NASCAR racing experiences throughout the season.
Following Daytona, Heim’s Cup Series journey will include superspeedways, traditional ovals, and a rare street course event. The team clarified that this will not be a full-time campaign; instead, Heim will race across different teams, including at least one race with Tricon Garage in the Truck Series. This flexible plan aims to broaden his race experience while allowing him to remain active across multiple formats and organizations.
Support and Leadership for Heim’s Campaign
Leading Heim’s No. 67 Cup Series effort will be Bootie Barker, a seasoned crew chief known for his previous guidance of Bubba Wallace to two wins and past collaboration with Heim in four Cup races. The working relationship between crew chief and driver is expected to help Heim adapt quickly to the challenges of NASCAR’s top series.
23XI Racing emphasized that Heim is not committed to a full-season run in the Cup Series or any national NASCAR series for 2026, but will instead focus on targeted starts that balance developmental value with competitiveness. The organization expressed willingness to consider additional races for Heim if the possibility aligns with team priorities and scheduling flexibility.
Heim’s 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Race Lineup
Corey Heim’s 2026 Cup Series schedule comprises these events:
1. Daytona 500 (Feb. 15)
2. Kansas Speedway (Apr. 19)
3. Texas Motor Speedway (May 3)
4. Charlotte Motor Speedway (May 24)
5. Nashville Superspeedway (May 31)
6. San Diego (June 21)
7. Chicagoland Speedway (July 5)
8. Indianapolis Motor Speedway (July 26)
9. Daytona International Speedway (Aug. 29)
10. Darlington Raceway (Sept. 6)
11. Charlotte Motor Speedway (Oct. 11)
12. Homestead-Miami Speedway (Nov. 8)
Notably, Heim will participate in all four of NASCAR’s crown jewel events: the Daytona 500, Coca-Cola 600, Brickyard 400, and Southern 500—an uncommon feat for a driver in a part-time developmental position.
Team Vision and Future Opportunities
23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin voiced the long-term ambitions both for Heim and the organization, stating,
“We know the future is really bright for Corey, and we’re working with him to ensure that he is as prepared as possible when his time comes to race full time,”
Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing.
The team underlined its commitment to methodical development and organizational goals, as reflected in another strategic message:
“We’re continuing to stick to our plan and taking a long-term approach, while also remaining focused on what is collectively best for our organization and our partners as we look to continue being a competitive, winning organization each weekend.”
This partnership between Corey Heim and 23XI Racing marks a significant chapter for both, as the driver gains experience on some of NASCAR’s most historic tracks, while the organization invests in nurturing talent for future successes. The 2026 season will be critical in shaping Heim’s career trajectory and bolstering 23XI Racing’s reputation for developing emerging stars.
