23XI Racing confirms Corey Heim’s 12-race NASCAR Cup Series schedule for 2026

23XI Racing has confirmed Corey Heim‘s 12-race NASCAR Cup Series schedule for 2026 season starting with the Daytona 500.

This development marks a pivotal moment for the reigning NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion from Marietta, Georgia, who has rapidly ascended through the ranks of stock car racing with a blend of raw talent, consistency, and championship pedigree.

Beginning with the iconic Daytona 500 on February 15, Heim will pilot the No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE as an open entry, showcasing his skills across a diverse array of tracks that include ovals, road courses, and intermediate speedways, all while continuing his role as 23XI‘s development driver.

The announcement, made from 23XI Racing’s state-of-the-art facility in Huntersville, North Carolina, underscores the team’s methodical approach to nurturing young talent amid the high-stakes environment of NASCAR’s premier division.

Co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and three-time Daytona 500 winner Denny Hamlin, the team has established itself as a powerhouse since its inception in 2020 with victories from Bubba Wallace and a regular-season championship from Tyler Reddick in 2024.

Now, with Riley Herbst rounding out the full-time lineup in the No. 35 alongside Wallace in the No. 23 and Reddick in the No. 45, Heim’s expanded role in the No. 67 represents a strategic expansion allowing the team to leverage his Truck Series dominance—where he claimed the 2025 title with record-breaking performances.

Heim’s journey to the Cup Series has been nothing short of meteoric. The young talent entered the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series full-time in 2023 with TRICON Garage and immediately shattered records by becoming the youngest driver to reach 10 wins in the division.

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His 2025 championship run was particularly dominant, leading over 800 laps after just 12 races in the season and securing the title with a blend of speed and strategy that drew comparisons to NASCAR’s all-time greats.

Despite entering 2026 without a full-time Cup ride—a surprise to many given his status as one of the sport’s top prospects alongside Connor Zilisch—23XI’s commitment ensures he remains in the spotlight, racing select Truck events while honing his skills in the premier class.

Veteran crew chief Bootie Barker who guided the 22-year-old prodigy through his previous five starts with 23XI Racing in 2024 and 2025, will reprise his role, bringing invaluable experience from championship-caliber teams.

Heim’s prior Cup outings include a standout sixth-place finish in the 2025 Bristol Night Race, demonstrating his ability to adapt to the increased competition and horsepower of Next Gen cars, though a failed qualifying attempt at the Chicago Street Course highlighted the challenges of non-chartered entries.

With this 12-race slate nearly tripling his 2025 Cup appearances, Heim will tackle tracks where he has Truck Series wins at five of them, including Daytona, Kansas, Texas, Charlotte, and Nashville, positioning him for potential breakout performances.

Corey Heim’s 12-race NASCAR Cup Series schedule for 2026:

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