COREY HEIM at ECHO PARK SPEEDWAY in ATLANTA – MOTORSPORT AMERICA PHOTO
23XI Racing Development Driver Corey Heim Set for Expanded NASCAR Cup
Series Schedule in 2026
The Marietta, Georgia native is the defending NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Champion that will start the season
with Daytona 500 attempt
Huntersville, N.C. (Feb. 6, 2026) – 23XI Racing announced today that
Corey Heim, who joined the team last year as its first development
driver, will compete in an increased number of NASCAR Cup Series races
during the 2026 season. Last year, Heim was actively involved throughout
the season in all aspects of race preparation, analysis, and review with
the team and competed in five Cup Series events. Building on an
impressive season that culminated in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series
championship, Heim will again be back in the No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE as
his Cup Series entries in 2026 will nearly triple from the previous
season.
This season, 23XI will continue its methodical approach to Heim’s
development, factoring in competition across various track types,
partner interests, and an expanded schedule from last season. Heim’s
race schedule will begin with his first attempt to qualify for the
Daytona 500 and will resume in April through July, when the No. 67 team
will compete in seven events. During the NASCAR Playoffs, Heim is
scheduled to make three starts, including at the season finale at
Homestead-Miami Speedway. Heim has won in the Truck Series at five of
the 10 tracks where he will compete this year. When he is not racing,
Heim will continue to be a regular participant in all aspects of the
competition team as they prepare for and analyze races.
Heim is scheduled to run the following Cup Series races:
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Daytona 500 (Feb. 15)
*
Kansas (Apr. 19)
*
Texas (May 3)
*
Charlotte (May 24)
*
Nashville (May 31)
*
San Diego (Jun. 21)
*
Chicagoland (Jul. 5)
*
Indianapolis (Jul. 26)
*
Daytona (Aug. 29)
*
Darlington (Sep. 6)
*
Charlotte (Oct. 11)
*
Homestead-Miami (Nov. 8)
Veteran crew chief Bootie Barker, who served as Heim’s crew chief for
his previous starts with 23XI, will again call the races for Heim and
the No. 67 team.
“We know the future is really bright for Corey, and we’re working
with him to ensure that he is as prepared as possible when his time
comes to race full time,” said Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing.
“We’re continuing to stick to our plan and taking a long-term
approach, while also remaining focused on what is collectively best for
our organization and our partners as we look to continue being a
competitive, winning organization each weekend.”
“Corey’s development with the team has been impressive and we
appreciate his patience and trust in us to prepare him as best as
possible,” said Dave Rogers, 23XI Senior Director, Competition. “He
has not only been a great student but has also provided valuable
feedback to our team that has helped us grow. We’re looking forward to
more races with him this year as he continues to sharpen his skills.”
“I’m excited and honored to continue my progression with 23XI,”
said Heim. “Every driver wants to race as much as possible, but I’m
fully committed to the approach that I am taking with the team. I look
forward to more Cup races this year and the opportunity to grow and
expand my race-craft on and off the track.”
In addition to his Cup schedule, Heim will also race select Truck
Series events with TRICON Garage, which will be announced at a later
date. As the season progresses and circumstances align, 23XI will
continue to seek opportunities for Heim to run additional races.
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