Silly Season: NASCAR Insiders provide latest on Corey Heim, 2026 Cup buzz

When you think of the top prospects in NASCAR, Corey Heim might be at the top of the list. The 22-year-old has been dominant in Truck Series competition this season and has a handful of Cup and Xfinity Series starts under his belt.

Heim’s path to Cup is simple as he is currently signed with 23XI Racing as the team’s development driver. But it will not be Heim time in Cup next year. According to Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic, Heim will continue to run full-time outside of Cup while making spot Cup starts for 23XI.

Right now, Heim is blocked. Tyler Reddick, Bubba Wallace and Riley Herbst are all under contract for 2026. If 23XI believes Heim is capable of a full-time Cup ride, and they do, 2027 is the earliest at which he can secure his seat.

“He’s going to be a Sunday Cup guy,” 23XI co-owner Denny Hamlin said. “There’s no doubt in my mind about it. He’s going to be with 23XI for the long haul.”

Corey Heim destined for Cup ride with 23XI?

Heim currently pilots the No. 11 Tundra TRD Pro for Tricon Garage. Twelve races through the 2025 campaign, he is first in the points standings with four wins and 10 top 10s. Heim has made two spot starts in Cup this season, finishing 13th at Kansas Speedway and 37th at Nashville Superspeedway.

23XI is thus far thrilled with Heim’s performance. If it continues, he should have a Cup ride in the very near future.

“[Heim is] doing everything [he’s been] asked to,” Hamlin said. “He’s in the building multiple times per week, working on his craft, continuing to get better, waiting on the opportunity. And he knows he’s got a long-term future with 23XI Racing, and he’s happy with that. And he’s happy with the development process that we have set out for him in the future.

“But, ultimately, there’s only three cars, three charters that we’re allowed to have, and so we have to figure out in the future where we go with that.”