Huntersville, N.C. (Feb. 6, 2026) – 23XI Racing announced today that Corey Heim, who joined the team last year as its first development driver, will compete in an increased number of NASCAR Cup Series races during the 2026 season. Last year, Heim was actively involved throughout the season in all aspects of race preparation, analysis, and review with the team, and competed in five Cup Series events. Building on an impressive season that culminated in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship, Heim will again be back in the No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE as his Cup Series entries in 2026 will nearly triple from the previous season.
This season, 23XI will continue its methodical approach to Heim’s development, factoring in competition across various track types, partner interests, and an expanded schedule from last season. Heim’s race schedule will begin with his first attempt to qualify for the Daytona 500 and will resume in April through July, when the No. 67 team will compete in seven events. During the NASCAR Playoffs, Heim is scheduled to make three starts, including at the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Heim has won in the Truck Series at five of the 10 tracks where he will compete this year. When he is not racing, Heim will continue to be a regular participant in all aspects of the competition team as they prepare for and analyze races.
Heim is scheduled to run the following Cup Series races:
· Daytona 500 (Feb. 15)
· Kansas (Apr. 19)
· Texas (May 3)
· Charlotte (May 24)
· Nashville (May 31)
· San Diego (Jun. 21)
· Chicagoland (Jul. 5)
· Indianapolis (Jul. 26)
· Daytona (Aug. 29)
· Darlington (Sep. 6)
· Charlotte (Oct. 11)
· Homestead-Miami (Nov. 8)
Veteran crew chief Bootie Barker, who served as Heim’s crew chief for his previous starts with 23XI, will again call the races for Heim and the No. 67 team.
“We know the future is really bright for Corey, and we’re working with him to ensure that he is as prepared as possible when his time comes to race full time,” said Denny Hamlin, co-owner of 23XI Racing. “We’re continuing to stick to our plan and taking a long-term approach, while also remaining focused on what is collectively best for our organization and our partners as we look to continue being a competitive, winning organization each weekend.”
“Corey’s development with the team has been impressive and we appreciate his patience and trust in us to prepare him as best as possible,” said Dave Rogers, 23XI Senior Director, Competition. “He has not only been a great student but has also provided valuable feedback to our team that has helped us grow. We’re looking forward to more races with him this year as he continues to sharpen his skills.”
“I’m excited and honored to continue my progression with 23XI,” said Heim. “Every driver wants to race as much as possible, but I’m fully committed to the approach that I am taking with the team. I look forward to more Cup races this year and the opportunity to grow and expand my race-craft on and off the track.”
In addition to his Cup schedule, Heim will also race select Truck Series events with TRICON Garage, which will be announced at a later date. As the season progresses and circumstances align, 23XI will continue to seek opportunities for Heim to run additional races.
About 23XI Racing
23XI Racing – pronounced twenty-three eleven – was founded by NBA legend Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin in 2020. With rising NASCAR star Bubba Wallace selected to drive the No. 23 Toyota Camry, the team made its NASCAR Cup Series debut in the 2021 Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway. Wallace made history on October 4, 2021, when he captured his first career Cup Series win, becoming just the second African American to win in the Cup Series, and earning 23XI its first-ever victory. 23XI expanded to a two-car organization in 2022 with Cup Series Champion and Hall of Famer Kurt Busch driving the No. 45 Toyota Camry. With a win at Kansas Speedway in May of 2022, Busch earned 23XI the team’s first-ever playoff berth. Tyler Reddick joined the team in 2023 to drive the No. 45 car. In 2024, Reddick won the Regular Season Championship and raced to a spot in the Championship 4, a first for both the team and Reddick. 23XI currently features the lineup of Bubba Wallace in the No. 23 Toyota Camry XSE, Tyler Reddick in the No. 45 Toyota Camry XSE and Riley Herbst in the No. 35 Toyota Camry XSE. Corey Heim currently serves as the team’s development driver and races occasionally in the No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE. The team operates out of Airspeed, a state-of-the-art facility in Huntersville, N.C.
For More Information Contact:
Davis Shaefer
23XI Racing
202.421.5505
davis.shaefer@23xiracing.com