Corey Heim secures historic win for 23XI Racing at Naval Base Coronado
Corey Heim has arrived at the top of the sport, and he did it in spectacular fashion. In only his 13th NASCAR Cup Series start, the 23-year-old reigning NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion claimed his first career victory at the Anduril 250 at Naval Base Coronado. It was a masterclass of patience, as Heim tracked down teammate Tyler Reddick before capitalizing on a mistake in Turn 2 on Lap 73 to seal the win.
The result was nothing short of historic, delivering 23XI Racing its first-ever 1-2 finish with Bubba Wallace crossing the line 10.365 seconds behind the winner. For a team co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan, it was a massive statement at the first major NASCAR event held on an active military installation. While Reddick’s day ended in frustration following contact and a flat tire, the championship leader showed significant class, refusing to force a desperate maneuver against his young teammate despite the stakes.
The 3.4-mile Qualcomm Circuit proved unforgiving throughout the day, particularly during a chaotic Lap 32 restart. A multicar pileup in Turn 1 claimed major contenders, including Shane van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch, leaving the field scrambled. Amidst the carnage, Ryan Preece managed to seize the Stage 2 victory, while Ryan Blaney claimed the Stage 1 win under caution. By the end, it was Heim standing alone, having transformed a difficult start to the race into a surreal breakthrough performance.
