A historic first on the streets of Coronado
Corey Heim drove a masterful race to win the Anduril 250, the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series street‑course event held in Coronado, California. The victory makes him the first part‑time driver to reach the winner’s circle at the sport’s highest level since Shane van Gisbergen’s breakthrough in 2023, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the new street‑course format.
Heim’s triumph was achieved while racing for 23XI Racing, the organization co‑owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and driver Denny Hamlin. The win comes at a pivotal moment as the series prepares for its next scheduled race at Sonoma Raceway, where Heim will not take the green flag.
The Coronado weekend featured only three non‑chartered entries, all of which were eliminated before the final stage. For the upcoming Sonoma event, the grid will be limited to the 36 chartered cars, marking the first time a Cup Series race winner has missed the following week’s race since 2025.
Fans will be able to follow the Toyota Save Mart 350 live on TNT, which will provide comprehensive coverage of the Sonoma weekend. The broadcast promises to highlight the shifting dynamics of the series as traditional road‑course strategies meet the new street‑course challenges.
The implications of Heim’s win extend beyond the track, signaling a potential reshuffling of team line‑ups and sponsorship opportunities for part‑time drivers. As the series moves forward, the blend of street‑course and traditional oval racing continues to redefine what it means to compete at NASCAR’s elite level.