Racing prodigy Corey Heim has inked a multi-year development agreement with 23XI Racing, marking his ascent as the team’s inaugural development driver. Heim, while maintaining his role as the reserve driver for 23XI Racing, will be making multiple appearances in the prestigious NASCAR Cup Series this season. He will make his debut in the No. 67 Toyota at the Kansas Speedway in May, under the guidance of crew chief Bootie Barker.
Furthermore, the contract encompasses Heim’s participation in several Xfinity Series races for Sam Hunt Racing. His first foray will be at the Circuit of The Americas, where he will commandeer a Sam Hunt Racing Toyota, backed by 23XI.
Heim expressed his exhilaration regarding this opportunity, “Joining 23XI is like a dream come true. I look forward to racing more Cup and Xfinity races this year. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to compete in all three series, with my sights set on full-time Cup racing in due course. The rapid success of 23XI is impressive and I am eager to learn from the organization. My gratitude to everyone at Toyota for their continued support in my development both on and off the track is immense, and I anticipate strengthening that relationship in the coming years.”
Heim’s impressive racing portfolio includes a full-time stint in the Craftsman Truck Series with Tricon Garage, where he is in his third season, boasting 12 wins in 66 starts. His previous Cup Series experience includes three races last season, first as a substitute driver for Erik Jones at Dover and Kansas, and later in a third car for 23XI Racing at Nashville during the Mobil 1 50th anniversary celebration season.
23XI Racing president, Steve Lauletta, conveyed his optimism about their association with Heim, “Our team had the good fortune to collaborate with Corey last year and we are excited to nurture our relationship with him as our development driver starting in 2025. Corey has consistently proven himself as a gifted and diligent driver. We aim to leverage all the resources of 23XI to bolster his development within the Toyota family as he advances in NASCAR.”
The 22-year-old racer also holds an impressive track record in the Xfinity Series with 13 starts, including four top-10 finishes. Over the past two seasons, Heim has made 17 starts in the series.
Sam Hunt, expressing his enthusiasm about Heim’s return, said, “I couldn’t be more thrilled to have Corey back with us at SHR this year, working in tandem with 23XI on his professional development. Corey is like a little brother, we resonate with each other’s journeys, and he truly cares about the growth and success of SHR in the long run. We have had some robust performances together in the past, so we are looking forward to optimizing our resources and demonstrating strength as we pursue our first organizational win and groom Corey as a Sunday driver.”
Heim continues his journey as a part of the esteemed Toyota Driver Development Program. His continued growth and success will undoubtedly be eagerly watched by racing enthusiasts worldwide.
