Corey Heim, the 2025 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series champion, will compete in 12 races during the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series with 23XI Racing, piloting the #67 Toyota. The Corey Heim NASCAR Cup schedule kicks off at the prestigious Daytona 500 on February 15, marking a significant step in his promising career with the high-profile team.
23XI Racing Confirms Expanded Slate for Promising Young Driver
On February 6, 23XI Racing, co-owned by sports icon Michael Jordan and Cup Series veteran Denny Hamlin, announced they will extend Corey Heim’s part-time run in the Cup Series for the 2026 season. This comes on the heels of Heim’s five attempted Cup entries in 2025, solidifying his ongoing relationship with the organization. Heim will drive the #67 for 12 selected races, beginning with the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway.
Hamlin, speaking on behalf of the team, emphasized a strategic and patient approach to Heim’s Cup Series progression.
“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,”
Hamlin added.
Heim, a Georgia native, has expressed strong enthusiasm for his increased Cup Series involvement, aligning with the team’s methodical plan for his development.
“Every driver wants to race as much as possible, but I’m fully committed to the approach that I am taking with the team. I look forward to more Cup races this year and the opportunity to grow and expand my race-craft on and off the track,”
Heim added.
Details of the 2026 Cup Series Race Schedule
Heim’s 12 confirmed NASCAR Cup Series races for 2026 span a variety of high-profile events and tracks. His schedule features the Daytona 500, Kansas, Texas, Charlotte, Nashville, San Diego, Chicagoland, Indianapolis, a return visit to Daytona, Darlington, another Charlotte race, and Homestead-Miami. This diverse slate gives Heim experience on both classic ovals and major markets, furthering his adaptation to NASCAR’s top level.
Reflecting on 2025, Heim attempted five Cup Series events for 23XI Racing, successfully starting four, and delivered his best result with a sixth-place finish at the Bristol short track in September. He also recorded a 13th-place showing at Kansas’s intermediate-mile venue that spring. His schedule in 2025 also included attempts at Nashville, Richmond, and the Chicago Street Race, though he missed the starting field for the latter.
Heim’s Historic 2025 Truck Series Campaign
Before his expanded Cup Series efforts, Corey Heim achieved a record-setting season in the 2025 CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, piloting the #11 Tricon Garage Toyota. Heim won 12 races, the most ever in a single Truck Series season, including triumphs at tracks such as Daytona, Las Vegas, Texas, Charlotte, Lime Rock Park, Watkins Glen, Richmond, Darlington, New Hampshire, Charlotte Roval, Martinsville, and Phoenix. His 2025 title marked his first career championship in the series.
In the championship finale at Phoenix, Heim fended off competitors Ty Majeski, Kaden Honeycutt, and Tyler Ankrum, leading 100 of the 161 laps to seal the championship. His dominant season has drawn significant attention as he balances continued part-time Truck Series appearances with his Cup Series schedule for Tricon Garage and 23XI Racing, respectively.
What Lies Ahead for Heim and 23XI Racing
While Heim’s Truck Series dates for 2026 with Tricon Garage have not been confirmed, his 12-race commitment in the Cup Series highlights 23XI Racing’s long-term investment in developing emerging talent. With Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin steering the organization, and Heim showing early signs of elite potential, the focus will be on preparing him for a future full-time Cup Series appointment. The expanded Corey Heim NASCAR Cup schedule in 2026 is poised to further shape his skills against deep competition and keep the spotlight on one of NASCAR’s rising stars.
