Corey Heim’s journey through the NASCAR ranks reached a milestone when he signed with 23XI Racing, a team co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan. His commitment to learning and long-term development impressed many, including Hamlin, who stated that Heim had options but chose to join a program focused on growth. “He deserves this opportunity,” Hamlin said, acknowledging the potential in Heim.
This weekend, Heim takes a significant leap in his career by driving in the NASCAR Cup Series at the AdventHealth 400 at Kansas Speedway. He’ll pilot the No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE with backing from Robinhood. The race presents a major challenge, with a fast and technical track that doesn’t leave much room for error.
Hamlin, who has vast experience at Kansas, gave Heim a stark warning—expect a tough start, especially in qualifying. Speaking on his podcast, Hamlin said Heim would be the first to qualify and face poor track conditions, calling it likely to be “horrible.” Even Hamlin, despite his success at the venue, admitted he might qualify poorly himself due to similar circumstances.
Kansas Speedway is known for its changing grip levels and demanding nature. While Heim has proven his skills in the Truck Series—earning three wins and leading more laps than most veterans—transitioning to a Cup car is a steep learning curve. His dominance in the Truck Series, including a near-flawless win in Texas, demonstrates his control and composure, qualities that helped secure this opportunity.
Heim has some prior Cup experience, filling in for Erik Jones and showing solid composure with a clean top-25 finish at Kansas. He also raced in Nashville, where an early wreck cut his day short. His Xfinity Series performances with Sam Hunt Racing have also been respectable, notching multiple top-five finishes.
Hamlin views Heim as a long-term investment and is more focused on progression than results. “There’s not a finishing spot,” Hamlin emphasized, meaning growth and adaptability are more important than final placement. The plan includes running Heim in various races this year to build experience across different tracks.
Hamlin’s candid remarks about the challenges of Kansas—and NASCAR overall—mirror the outspoken style of Tony Stewart. He’s been vocal about the sport’s decision-making, especially concerning race conditions and driver feedback. On his podcast, he questioned the tendency to overlook insights from both drivers and fans, warning that ignoring their voices risks damaging credibility.
Heim’s entry into the Cup Series marks a crucial step in his development. Despite the obstacles, 23XI Racing believes in his potential, and this weekend at Kansas will be a major test of his readiness for the top tier of NASCAR racing. Whether he excels or struggles, it’s part of a broader journey—and one that could eventually make him a future star of the sport.