Corey Heim is heading to the NASCAR Cup Series full-time in 2027!
23XI Racing announced on Saturday that Heim, the defending champion of the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series and the team’s first development driver, would take over the reins of its third entry, the No. 35 Toyota Camry XSE, starting in 2027, replacing current driver Riley Herbst.
The native of Marietta, Georgia, has competed in nine NASCAR Cup Series events, to date, for 23XI Racing, including the 2026 DAYTONA 500, and in Sunday’s Cracker Barrel 400, will make his 10th start driving for the team co-owned by NBA superstar Michael Jordan and future NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Denny Hamlin.
“Since I was five years old, all I ever wanted was to be a Cup driver. My family and I have sacrificed a ton to get me to this level, and I don’t take that for granted. When the opportunity came up to be a development driver with 23XI Racing, I trusted my gut and knew this was the place I wanted to build a long-term career. From everyone at 23XI to the team at TOYOTA RACING, I’ve been blessed to have support from so many people along the way. I can’t wait for the 2027 season to begin.”
Heim began his relationship with 23XI Racing in 2024, serving as the team’s reserve driver and competing in one event at Nashville Superspeedway, while also competing in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series on a part-time basis. Each season since has seen Heim increase his count of Cup Series events with the organization, a trend that will continue into 2027, when he runs all 36 events.
The No. 35 Toyota Camry XSE was first fielded by 23XI Racing in 2025, with Riley Herbst behind the wheel. Herbst, through a full season and a third, has steadily improved his performance, collecting a best finish of eighth in this season’s DAYTONA 500.
“We’re excited to welcome Corey to our full-time roster next season and look forward to watching him race every weekend in 2027,” said 23XI co-owner, Denny Hamlin.“Corey is a gifted driver who is continuing to get better and better with each race he runs. He has a bright future in the sport and joins a team that is continuing to build a solid foundation. We’re thankful to Riley for all he has done to help get the 35 team going and appreciate the work that he and the team will continue to do this season to be competitive each week.”
The 23-year-old driver has been a part of the Toyota Racing Development ladder for several years, from competing in the ARCA Menards Series for Venturini Motorsports, to collecting an impressive 25 victories in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series for TRICON Garage. Now, in 2027, the climb to NASCAR’s top-level will be complete.
“Corey is truly a special talent that we have enjoyed watching grow and develop over the past several years,” said Tyler Gibbs, president, TRD U.S.A. “He is an example of trusting the process and he has more than earned this full-time Cup Series ride due to his hard work and dedication to his craft. We couldn’t be prouder of Corey and what he has already achieved. With the support he will have at 23XI Racing, everyone at Toyota and TRD has full confidence that he is in the position to continue building on his success in the years to come.”
Sponsorship partners will be announced at a later date. CELSIUS, Robinhood, Mobil 1, Field & Stream, Chief’s on Broadway, and Fleetio have supported Heim in the No. 67 this year.
“As 23XI continues to grow and evolve, we’re excited to introduce Corey as a full-time driver in 2027,” said Steve Lauletta, 23XI Team President. “He has already been a valuable member of the team as our development driver, and we’re eager for his Cup Series career to begin next season. Expanding to three cars last year was a major step for our team, and we look forward to 23XI’s continued evolution with Corey behind the wheel full time.”
