23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin believes Corey Heim is one of NASCAR‘s latest generational talents, and who’s to blame him?
Heim, the defending NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion, has 25 Truck Series wins in only 93 starts, making for an absurd win percentage of 26.9 percent. The 23-year-old from Marietta, Ga., was announced as 23XI’s third full-time Cup Series driver for 2027 on Saturday, replacing Riley Herbst.
“Generational drivers only come by every now and then,” Hamlin said Saturday. “I firmly believe we have one here. Really excited about what he’s going to bring our team and the performance that he’s going to bring. Looking forward to working with him in the future.”
Heim, who looked up to Hamlin when he was younger, now gets to drive for the man he once called his idol.
Corey Heim: 23XI ride ‘means the world
“A lot of people know that growing up, Denny was my idol,” Heim told Yardbarker in June 2024 ahead of what was to be his first Cup start with 23XI at Nashville. “It means the world to have grown up idolizing him, never knowing if I would make it to this level, but here I am, and I’ve got him as one of my best supporters right now.”
That same weekend, which occurred nearly two years ago to the day, Hamlin was complimentary of Heim before the latter had even stepped into a 23XI Cup car.
“I certainly think he’s wise way beyond his age,” Hamlin said. “To be just 21 years old, it’s amazing when you watch him. He certainly has a bright future in our sport in the long-term.”
Heim’s stock has only risen in the two years since he and Hamlin made those comments, culminating in what was seen as an inevitable move to get Heim what he deserved: a full-time Cup Series ride with a winning organization.
“I’ve been a part of 23XI Racing for a couple years now on a part-time basis,” Heim said Saturday. “I firmly believe that, as a driver, you just have to be around the right people to succeed. Even in the [Truck Series with TRICON Garage], I felt like I was with the right people and we did the right things. It’s so important to have the right group around you to succeed.”
“I’ve only started 10 races with 23XI Racing, but I really feel like that is my home and these people treat me very well. Obviously, their equipment speaks for itself. Super excited. Means the world to me. Always wanted to be a Cup driver since I’ve been a kid.”
Suffice to say, the expectations for Heim will be sky-high entering his rookie year in 2027 behind the wheel of a car that will be capable of winning races and competing for the Cup Series title.
Quotes provided by NASCAR Media unless otherwise noted.