How is prodigy Heim preparing for the Cup Series? Racing it part time
Corey Heim will join 23XI Racing full-time in 2027, piloting the team’s third entry, the No. 35 car. The 23-year-old is spending the 2026 season in a developmental role, balancing a 12-race Cup Series schedule with select Truck Series appearances and simulator work to prepare for his transition to the premier level.
Building a Notebook for 2027
The 2026 season serves as a foundational year for Heim, according to 23XI Racing senior director of competition Dave Rogers. Rather than focusing solely on results, the team has directed Heim to prioritize learning and calculated risk-taking. This shift in mindset followed a mid-season conversation after Heim’s 15th-place finish at Kansas Speedway in April, where Rogers encouraged him to push harder and test the limits of his car, even if it led to mistakes.
Heim’s current workload mimics that of a full-time driver. He attends team meetings, performs wheel-force testing for Toyota, and logs two to three simulator sessions per week. According to Heim, this structure is designed to ensure he is prepared to step into a Cup Series car at a moment’s notice.
The Path to the Cup Series
Toyota identified Heim’s potential as early as 2017 while he competed in late-model racing. After a successful seven-race stint in the ARCA Menards Series in 2020, Heim moved to full-time competition, winning six times in 2021. This progression caught the attention of TRD president Tyler Gibbs and manager of driver development Trent Rodriguez, who noted Heim’s ability to learn from high-level competitors like Kyle Busch.
Heim’s race craft eventually drew the notice of 23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin. Hamlin has described Heim as a generational talent, comparing the team’s pursuit of him to their recruitment of Tyler Reddick. While Heim had opportunities to join other Cup teams earlier, he opted to remain within the Toyota and 23XI Racing pipeline.
Future Outlook
As Heim prepares for his 2027 debut, his development schedule remains focused on actual time behind the wheel. While he acknowledges the value of his current part-time role, he maintains that the most effective preparation involves “going out and doing it.”
Analysts note that while the 12-race Cup schedule provides a baseline for experience, the transition to full-time racing in 2027 will represent a significant shift in his competitive demands. The team’s expectation is that his accumulated simulator data and rigorous preparation will allow him to integrate seamlessly alongside teammates Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will Corey Heim begin racing full-time in the Cup Series?
Heim is scheduled to move to the Cup Series full-time in 2027, driving the No. 35 car for 23XI Racing.
What is the purpose of Heim’s 2026 racing schedule?
The 2026 season is a “notebook year” intended for development. Heim is running a limited 12-race Cup schedule to gain experience while participating in simulator work and team meetings to prepare for his future full-time role.
How did Toyota first get involved with Corey Heim?
Toyota Racing Development began tracking Heim in 2017-2018 during his late-model career. After a successful trial in the ARCA Menards Series in 2020, the manufacturer signed him to a development program that led to his success in the Truck Series.
How do you think the “notebook year” strategy will impact Heim’s performance when he begins his full-time campaign in 2027?