Corey Heim lands full-time 23XI Racing seat for 2027
It is a rare moment when a childhood dream manifests into reality, but for Corey Heim, Saturday at Nashville Superspeedway served as exactly that. The 23XI Racing development driver has been officially promoted to the team's full-time Cup Series lineup, where he will pilot the No. 35 Toyota starting in 2027. It is a stunning ascent for a driver who has been within the 23XI fold since 2024.
Heim, who secured the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship with a record-setting 12 wins, is widely considered one of the sport's most lethal prospects. He has already logged 11 Cup starts with the team—netting a career-best finish of sixth at Bristol Motor Speedway—and will undertake a 12-race schedule in 2026 before his full-time campaign begins. Team co-owner Denny Hamlin, whom Heim famously idolized as a youth, is convinced he has found a generational talent.
Moving into the fold alongside established stars Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace, Heim replaces Riley Herbst, who has been behind the wheel of the No. 35 since the beginning of 2025. While the veteran teammates are eager to see what the young gun brings to the garage, there is a clear appreciation for the man he is replacing. It is a massive step up, but with a background in wheelforce testing and a steady, calculated approach, Heim seems ready to tackle the grueling 38-week Cup grind.
