Corey Heim is the hottest prospect in NASCAR and the 23XI Racing Development driver is widely considered across the industry to be ready for a full-time ride in the Cup Series. However, after a record-breaking year finishing 11th in the Truck Series, Hamm is spending the 2026 season part-time at all three levels.
As Fox Sports' Bob Pokrass reported on Saturday, Heim was announced as a development driver for the 23XI in February 2025. This kept him within the Toyota family, which is what he wanted, and Heim is "banking" on starting to ride full-time in 2027. As to why he cannot spend a season driving full-time for another team, Pokrass noted that the Legacy Motor Club "does not see itself as a training ground" for a driver until then. Departure for 23XI.
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As the full-time driver of the No. 11 Toyota Tundra Truck with Tricon Garage last season, Heim set single-season Truck Series records in laps led (1,625), points (4040), wins (12) and top-fives (19) in 25 races. He dominated throughout the season and then pulled away in the final lap to cap off a record-breaking year with a Truck Series championship at Phoenix.
Getting a full-time ride in the Cup Series has never been a matter of talent for Heim. Instead, money is the primary factor. 23XI Racing's third full-time driver, Riley Herbst, brings with him a strong relationship with Monster Energy, and his family has a strong financial background and his father owned several gas stations and convenience stores that are in partnership with Monster.
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Those financial resources were little needed for 23XI last season amid a legal battle with NASCAR that resulted in millions of dollars in court costs. Herbst was also originally signed to a multi-year contract, so the team wasn't going to move on from him through 2025, even after a very poor season.
However, the No. 35 car should be open for Hamm to take over as a full-time driver next season. He will still only be 24 years old and his inclusion gives 23XI three drivers capable of winning races and earning a spot in The Chase.
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At the moment, all signs point towards Heim becoming a full-time driver for 23XI next season. Until then, he will split his time between the Trucks, Cup and O'Reilly Auto Parts series this year. As Ross Chastain's last lap pass on Friday night in the Truck Series race at Darlington showed, he's already capable of beating some of the top drivers at the highest level.
