It’s Corey Heim time at 23XI Racing as the Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin-owned Toyota team announces that Heim will take over the 35 car driven by Riley Herbst in 2027.

Heim’s full-time driver was announced in Nashville, where he will drive the No. 67 Toyota for Michael Jordan’s team. Interestingly, Heim debuted for 23XI back in 2024 at the same track. 

As the 23-year-old gets his full-time drive, fans have been buzzing on social media, saying it was long overdue.

“Finally!!! Justice Served,” one fan wrote on X. “Heim deserves every bit of that recognition.” The post further read, “Never thought Joe Gibbs would’ve had let him come up the ranks in Toyota after his incident with Ty Gibbs, that’s what it seemed like after he was left seat less this year. U can’t bench talent for too long.”

“It's always HEIM TIME!!! CONGRATULATIONS COREY!!!” read one comment, while another read,  “Good move. See ya Herbst no one will remember you.”

Heim’s move seemed like one that has been coming for a while now. He has shown solid performances across the Cup races that he has driven for 23XI and he has been dominant in the truck series. 

One fan wrote, “Corey Heim to 23XI Racing for 2027 is a massive power move. He has absolutely earned this Cup seat, and putting him in elite Toyota equipment is going to be dangerous for the rest of the field.”

Another fan was a bit more blunt on Herbst’s exit and also predicted the trajectory Heim would have in his first full year, “I accidentally said lmao I thought this was Riley Herbst my apologies. I think Heim is actually gonna do pretty good. He will start slow but heat up. He did good at Texas and I expect that to continue.”

Heim in for Full-Time Drive with Long-time Idol

Heim is 23, and when he was growing up and getting into NASCAR, it happened at the same time Denny Hamlin started laying rubber in a Cup car. Heim has always admired Hamlin, and the 23XI co-owner has similarly appreciated the skills Heim brings. 

After the announcement of Heim as the incoming No. 35 driver, Hamlin was quoted as saying, “Corey is a gifted driver who is continuing to get better and better with each race he runs. He has a bright future in the sport ... We’re thankful to Riley for all he has done.”

Heim will feel like all of his development was worth it. In 2024, he drove once for 23XI; in 2025, he drove 7 times; and in 2026, he was scheduled for 12 starts in the No. 67 car. In Texas earlier this season, Heim led 69 laps and saw his race end early following a mistake. 

Heim has 9 drives remaining in a Cup car this season, something that will act as a good base building into his first full-time season in the big league.

Written by

Debrup Chaudhuri

Edited by

Suyashdeep Sason