Corey Heim Secures Full-Time Drive with Michael Jordan's NASCAR Team for 2027 Season

Corey Heim is set to make his mark as a full-time driver in the NASCAR Cup Series, having signed with 23XI Racing, the team co-owned by basketball icon Michael Jordan and accomplished driver Denny Hamlin. The announcement was made on May 30 at the Nashville Superspeedway, confirming that the 23-year-old will join existing drivers Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace for the 2027 season. Heim replaces Riley Herbst, who is expected to move to Legacy Motor Club, as reported by The Athletic.

Hamlin and Jordan have been keen on bringing Heim aboard for some time. The desire to sign Heim was revealed during the antitrust lawsuit involving 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports against NASCAR, which concluded in late 2025. Jordan had urged Hamlin to “lock him up” before another team could secure his services.

Heim will pilot the No. 35 Toyota for the team next year. “Corey is a gifted driver who is continuing to get better and better with each race he runs,” Hamlin remarked. “He has a bright future in the sport and joins a team that is continuing to build a solid foundation. We’re thankful to Riley for all he has done to help get the 35 team going and appreciate the work that he and the team will continue to do this season to be competitive each week.”

Since 2024, Heim has served as a developmental driver for 23XI, participating in 11 Cup Series races with the team and Legacy Motor Club. His best finish thus far was a sixth-place result at Bristol Motor Speedway last year in the No. 67 Toyota.

“Since I was five years old, all I ever wanted was to be a Cup driver,” Heim expressed. “My family and I have sacrificed a ton to get me to this level, and I don’t take that for granted. When the opportunity came up to be a development driver with 23XI Racing, I trusted my gut and knew this was the place I wanted to build a long-term career.”

A rising star from Marietta, Georgia, Heim has quickly established himself in the racing world, moving from Legends cars to various late model series before making his ARCA debut in 2019. His success led him to Kyle Busch Motorsports in the Craftsman Truck Series, where he delivered impressive performances, including a record-setting 12 wins last season, surpassing the previous record held by Greg Biffle.

“For our company, generational drivers only come by every now and then,” Hamlin stated at the announcement. “And I firmly believe that we have one here.” Currently, Heim is competing in a mixed schedule, having participated in both truck and Cup Series races this season, with his latest Cup finish being 19th at the Coca-Cola 600. As the season progresses, 23XI Racing is performing well, with Reddick leading the points standings and Wallace in a favorable position for the Chase.