HAMPTON, Ga. “Heim Time” is set for a busy 2025.
23XI Racing announced Sunday morning that it has signed Corey Heim as its first multi-year development driver, further expanding the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series standout opportunities across NASCAR’s top divisions.
The agreement will provide Heim with additional seat time this season in both the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series. Additionally, the Marietta, Ga. native will maintain the organization’s reserve driver status.
The 22-year-old also remains a key member of Toyota Driver Development (TD2).
Heim, who made his Cup Series debut with 23XI last June at Nashville Superspeedway, will return to NASCAR’s premier series at Kansas Speedway, piloting the No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE under the guidance of veteran crew chief Bootie Barker. He has previous Cup Series experience at the 1.5-mile track, having filled in for the injured Erik Jones last May.
“Our team was fortunate to work with Corey last year, and we look forward to growing our relationship with him as our development driver starting in 2025,” said Steve Lauletta, president of 23XI Racing.
“Corey continues to prove he is a talented, hard-working driver, and we plan to make all the resources of 23XI available to support his development within the Toyota family as he progresses in NASCAR.”
As part of his development, Heim will also compete in multiple Xfinity Series races with Sam Hunt Racing (SHR), driving a 23XI-supported Toyota GR Supra. Last season, he made 13 starts with SHR and has 17 career Xfinity Series races under his belt, earning three top-five and five top-10 finishes.
His first race with SHR in 2024 will occur next weekend at Circuit of the Americas, marking his Xfinity road course debut.
“It’s a dream come true to be a part of 23XI, and I’m excited for the opportunity to race more Cup and Xfinity races this year,” said Heim. I’m blessed to have the chance to compete in all three series as I continue to set my sights on full-time Cup racing when that time comes.
“The success that 23XI has shown in only a few short years has been impressive, and I’m excited to learn from the organization. I’m also grateful to everyone at Toyota for their ongoing support in my development both on and off the track, and I look forward to strengthening that relationship for years to come.”
SHR will field its second Xfinity Series entry, the No. 24 Toyota Supra, for Heim at COTA. Ryan Truex, a past Xfinity Series winner, piloted the car at Daytona International Speedway earlier this month.
“I couldn’t be more excited to have Corey back with us at SHR this year, working alongside 23XI on his professional development,” said team owner Sam Hunt.
“Corey has become like a little brother to me. We understand each other’s journeys, and he genuinely cares about the growth and success of SHR long-term.
“We have had some very strong performances together in the past, so we are looking to continue maximizing our resources and flexing strength as we chase that first organizational win and develop Corey as a Sunday driver.”
While Heim will see increased time in 23XI and SHR entries, his primary focus remains with TRICON Garage, where he will continue competing in the NASCAR Truck Series for a third straight season, driving the No. 11 Safelite Toyota Tundra TRD Pro.
His Truck Series record is already impressive, with 12 wins and 33 top-five finishes.
Heim, the 2023 regular-season champion, is the youngest driver in series history to reach 10 career wins and has made back-to-back Championship 4 appearances.
After being declared the Daytona race winner following Parker Kligerman’s disqualification, Heim contended for victory again in Saturday’s Fr8 208 at Atlanta Motor Speedway before mechanical issues relegated him to a 23rd-place finish.
Heim is fourth in Truck Series points, 16 behind series leader Grant Enfinger.
The Truck Series returns to action next month at Las Vegas (Nev.) Motor Speedway for the running of the Ecosave 200 on March 14, 2025.
Follow Chris Knight on X (Twitter) @Knighter01 or email at [email protected].
