Corey Heim, the 24‑year‑old Toyota development driver who has dominated the NASCAR Truck Series, will make his full‑time debut in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2027.
Heim will drive for 23XI Racing, the racing venture co‑owned by former driver Denny Hamlin and basketball legend Michael Jordan, which has been grooming him for this step since 2025.
The team announced that Heim will take over the iconic No. 35 Toyota next season, a car currently piloted by Riley Herbst, whose contract expires at the end of the current year.
Heim’s résumé includes 25 career Truck victories, ranking fourth all‑time, and a championship‑winning 2025 season in which he captured 12 wins.
His progression follows a steady climb through Toyota’s driver pipeline, beginning in 2020, and a series of impressive performances that have drawn praise from team executives.
The 2026 Bridge Season
Although Heim’s 2025 championship did not immediately secure a full‑time Cup ride for 2026, 23XI Racing expanded his schedule to 12 races that year, using the experience as a proving ground.
The move reflects a strategic approach by the team to blend veteran presence with emerging talent, leveraging the brand power of both Hamlin and Jordan to attract sponsors and fans.
What This Means for the Series
The addition of Heim adds another young, hungry competitor to a field that has increasingly embraced drivers who have honed their craft in the lower series before stepping up.
Fans can expect a fresh dynamic in the No. 35 entry, which has historically been a mid‑pack contender, now bolstered by a driver with championship pedigree.
The partnership also underscores the growing intersection of sports and entertainment, as Jordan’s involvement brings a celebrity profile to NASCAR’s competitive landscape.