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What is Corey Heim’s Future in the Cup Series?

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What’s Happening?

Top prospect Corey Heim will stay with Toyota, at least in the short term. However, it doesn’t look like he has a clear route to the cup series. So, let’s take a look at his options and see what might be his best route to the top.

Joe Gibbs Racing

While it would be the ideal landing spot for any young driver in Toyota’s development system, Joe Gibbs Racing is more than likely not on the table for Cory Heim.

Though he’s recently downplayed his history with Gibbs’ grandson Ty, rumors still circulate that their battles in the ARCA Menard Series in 2021 soured the Toyota teammates’ relationship.

Most insiders and fans see this reflected in Heim having to race in the Xfinity series with Sam Hunt Racing rather than Toyota’s premier team, JGR. This developmental gap essentially keeps Heim from taking a full-time step to the next level.

However, as both drivers mature and Joe Gibbs Racing’s lineup cycles out the older drivers, perhaps they could find common ground and a spot for Heim. This scenario is unlikely, as JGR has already backed drivers like William Sawalich and Taylor Gray.

Legacy MC

Legacy is an easy option for Heim’s future. LMC was the team that gave Heim his first start in the NASCAR Cup series, filling in for Erik Jones early this season.

Furthermore, the team consistently makes changes in an attempt to improve, as their freshman year with Toyota was such a letdown. One of these changes included hiring a reserve driver in Cory Hein.

However, with Heim’s record, perhaps LMC needs Heim more than he needs LMC. Unless the team takes a massive step in the next few seasons or Heim continues to stick with Toyota and not find a ride, it appears he is more than likely not headed for Jimmie Johnson’s team.

23XI Racing

As exciting as the thought of Heim joining 23XI is, quite a bit of drama stands in the way of that move.

23XI’s ongoing lawsuit with NASCAR might prevent the team from having charters in the long term. This includes a rumored expansion car that more than likely could have allowed Heim to join the team in the long term.

Nevertheless, the feeling in the garage area is that if he goes anywhere, this is more than likely his landing spot. Following his starts with LMC, 23XI abruptly gave Heim a one-off start this season in the No. 50, perhaps giving us a glimpse into the future that Heim sees with Toyota.

A lot stands in the way of Heim getting a ride at 23XI, but seeing as he sticks with Toyota despite staying in the truck series, perhaps there is a spot in line for him to join Toyota’s second-best NASCAR Cup Series team.

Only time will tell if sticking with Toyota will pay off. But what if the highly doubted prospect were to flip to another manufacturer?

What If He Leaves Toyota?

Chevrolet:

Heim would more than likely need Chevrolet more than they need another driver.

Right now, Chevy has quite the lineup of Cup series Regulars, including Rookie of the Year Carson Hocevar and former champions like Kyle, Larson, and Chase Elliott.

Such a highly talented prospect could find his way to Hendrick Motorsports or Trackhouse Racing. However, as a team like Spire Motorsports continues to grow, Heim could perhaps wheel his way into the ground floor of success.

The crowded nature of Chevrolet’s developmental system might be another factor as to why Heim is staying put with Toyota.

Ford:

Ford would definitely need Heim more than he needed them. Top prospects such as Austin Cindric, Cole Custer, and Hailie Deegan continue to struggle out of the Ford camp.

Though the top four teams don’t seem to be making changes anytime soon, if Penske or RFK were to need a young driver in the future, perhaps they could try to sign Heim. However, Ford’s reputation with prospects as of late would not benefit them if they pursued Heim in the coming years.

It’s tough to understand why Corey would want to stay with Toyota. His path to the Cup Series is unclear with his current manufacturer. However, looking at Ford and Chevrolet’s developmental systems, Perhaps it’s his best bet to hold out.

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