23XI Confirms New NASCAR Cup Series Driver Contract, Adds Third Car

23XI Racing has announced plans to field a part-time Cup Series entry for rising star Corey Heim. The team will run the No. 67 Toyota in select races, with veteran crew chief Robert “Bootie” Barker calling the shots from atop the pit box.

Heim’s first race in the No. 67 car is scheduled for the spring event at Kansas Speedway. This is a big step up for the 22-year-old driver, who made his Cup Series debut in 2024 with three starts, including two as a substitute for Erik Jones at Legacy Motor Club and one for 23XI’s No. 50 team.

In addition to this Cup Series opportunity, 23XI Racing will support a second entry for Sam Hunt Racing (SHR) in select NASCAR Xfinity Series races, with Heim behind the wheel. His first race in this capacity is set for next week at Circuit of The Americas.

“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,” Heim said in a press release via NASCAR. “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.”

Heim has been making his mark in NASCAR’s lower series, particularly in the Craftsman Truck Series. This year, he kicked off the season with a victory at Daytona International Speedway, adding to his impressive tally of 12 wins. He has also reached the Championship 4 in the Truck Series playoffs for the past two seasons.

This move sees 23XI expand substantially, co-owned by NBA legend Michael Jordan and Cup Series veteran Denny Hamlin. The team, which currently fields full-time entries for Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick, is still in a legal battle with NASCAR, but has no intentions of slowing down.

Robert “Bootie” Barker, who served as Bubba Wallace’s crew chief for the past three seasons, will take on the role of crew chief for Heim’s part-time Cup effort.

Steve Lauletta, president of 23XI Racing, said the following:

“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.

“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.”