Why NASCAR Fans Are Mad About The Corey Heim Situation
What’s Happening? Two wins in three starts. A top-five in the other. And now, the leader in points. By every measurable…
23XI Racing prospect and current NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series points leader Corey Heim says that, despite his incredible start to the season, he won’t be pursuing the series championship unless “something changes overnight.”
An unexpected, but not shocking storyline in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series revolves around 23XI Racing prospect and reigning Truck Series champion Corey Heim.
Last season was supposed to be Heim’s third and final full-time effort in the Truck Series, with the Georgia native scoring a record-breaking 12 wins and his first championship.
This fitting send-off fell short of satisfaction for NASCAR fans this past offseason, with news that Heim would not have any full-time plans in 2026, instead balancing a Truck and Cup Series schedule with TRICON Garage and 23XI.
While Heim is just one race into his 12 planned outings with 23XI, the 23-year-old is two for three in his Truck Series outings, winning with both TRICON’s No. 1 and No. 5 teams, and taking an unlikely points lead despite missing two of the season’s five races.
Though fans would like to see him run for the championship, Heim recently told SiriusXM NASCAR Radio that he does not see himself chasing a second title.
“I really only have a couple more [races] scheduled, and it sounds like the wins have helped propel sponsors to want to come on board, and we’re kind of working on a couple more races, not exactly sure when or where yet, but I don’t think the championship is in my future unless just something changes overnight.” — Corey Heim
Sponsorship is a major hurdle for any driver. Still, another problem Heim will have to overcome is the rulebook, as, despite his efforts, he is not eligible for the championship.
To compete in NASCAR’s Chase at any level, drivers must compete in as many races as possible, or obtain a waiver, something Heim would likely not receive.
Even if he were to get that waiver, there are likely a few key races he might miss down the line that could factor into his pursuit.
Nonetheless, Heim said in this interview that he isn’t ruling out, but added that he thinks plans to pursue the title aren’t “in the works by any means.”
What’s Happening? Two wins in three starts. A top-five in the other. And now, the leader in points. By every measurable…
Corey Heim’s run in the Truck Series is one of the best success stories in recent years, though it has not yet resulted in him finding a full-time spot in the series.
For one, the Toyota prospect has never made a start for Joe Gibbs Racing in any of the three NASCAR National Series, and, given 23XI’s lack of a NASCAR OAP Series team, he and his team have pieced together part-time efforts with Sam Hunt Racing over the past two seasons.
This year, rumors were that Heim would race in multiple races across all three series, but the shock move of Harrison Burton to SHR this past offseason may have shaken those plans, leaving Heim out to dry, as Toyota only has two full-time OAP Series teams and six total cars.
Still, the looming off-season could favor Heim’s promotion to the Cup Series in 2027, with rumors that he could find a vacant seat at 23XI by the start of the new year.
What’s Happening? Though the 2026 NASCAR season has yet to start, the 2027 Silly Season talk is already picking up. So,…
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