The 2025 NASCAR season is just around the corner, and for many rising stars, it represents a fresh opportunity to make their mark. But in a sport where only the elite get a shot at the Cup Series, the road to the top is anything but easy.
One driver who has proven he belongs—but is still waiting for his big break—is Corey Heim. A Truck Series star, Toyota Racing Development prospect, and reserve driver for both 23XI Racing and Legacy Motor Club, Heim is knocking on the door of NASCAR’s highest level. But will the sport’s decision-makers finally give him the full-time Cup Series chance he deserves?
Or will he become just another “almost-guy” in NASCAR’s long list of talents waiting for a breakthrough?
Corey Heim’s Rise: A Star in the Making?
Heim’s NASCAR journey started with Kyle Busch Motorsports, where he made 19 appearances in the Truck Series across two seasons. Despite not running full-time, he still managed to win Rookie of the Year in 2022, proving that his talent was undeniable.
His 2024 season was even better:
🏁 Runner-up in the Truck Series championship
🏁 Six race wins
🏁 Three top-five finishes in select Xfinity Series starts
He also made his Cup Series debut, driving for 23XI Racing in a one-off race at Nashville Superspeedway. Though his results were modest—finishing no higher than 22nd in three appearances—they still served as a valuable learning experience.
Heim’s Cup Series Ambitions: Will the Opportunity Come?
There’s no doubt that Heim wants a full-time Cup Series ride.
“I’m never going to turn down a Cup opportunity,” Heim told Fox Sports’ Bob Pockrass. “If you asked me a year ago, I would say I have no idea, and that’s kind of where I am right now as well. I guess at the end of the day, you never really know… It would be great to get some more laps in the Cup car.”
Despite being linked to 23XI Racing, the team chose Riley Herbst instead to fill its third charter in 2025. This means Heim will remain in the Truck Series with TRICON Garage, signing a contract extension for his third full-time season.
But with so many young drivers getting their Cup break, it begs the question—why hasn’t Heim gotten his shot yet?
Why Hasn’t Heim Been Called Up?
🔹 Limited Cup Series Charters – With only 36 spots available, getting a full-time Cup seat is one of the hardest jumps in NASCAR.
🔹 Lack of Headline-Grabbing Results in Cup Races – Heim’s small sample size of Cup races hasn’t been spectacular, meaning teams aren’t taking a risk just yet.
🔹 Toyota’s Stacked Pipeline – As a Toyota prospect, Heim is battling John Hunter Nemechek, Chandler Smith, and other TRD-backed drivers for limited seats.
With 23XI Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Legacy Motor Club all under the Toyota umbrella, the pathway exists—but Heim needs a breakout moment to push him into the Cup Series conversation.
What’s Next for Heim in 2025?
Even though he didn’t land a full-time Cup ride, Heim still has plenty to prove in 2025:
✅ Chase a Truck Series championship – He finished runner-up last year; now it’s time to go for the title.
✅ More Xfinity Series starts – With Sam Hunt Racing, Heim will get valuable experience on bigger tracks.
✅ Be ready for any Cup Series opportunities – Injuries, driver swaps, and underperformance can all open the door for a last-minute Cup ride.
The biggest challenge? Staying relevant. Heim must keep making headlines if he wants Toyota or another Cup team to take notice.
So… Is Corey Heim NASCAR’s Next Big Thing or Just Another Waiting Talent?
The potential is there. The talent is undeniable. But until Heim gets the right opportunity, he remains stuck in the limbo of NASCAR’s development system.
With 23XI Racing passing on him in 2025, his path to Cup stardom isn’t as clear as it once seemed. However, a dominant Truck Series season or a breakout Xfinity performance could force the conversation back in his favor.
For now, Heim isn’t giving up on his dream—and NASCAR fans shouldn’t sleep on him either.
