Corey Heim Wins 1st NASCAR Cup Race in 13th Start as 23XI Secures 1-2 Finish

Q: With his first career win, has Corey Heim now secured a full-time Cup Series ride?

Yes. Heim already has a full-time NASCAR Cup Series ride lined up, though not because of this win alone. 23XI Racing announced on May 30 that Heim will move into a full-time Cup role in 2027, driving the chartered No. 35 Toyota Camry XSE. So his victory at the Anduril 250 strengthens the case for that promotion, but it did not create it. The broader context is that Heim has long been viewed as one of Toyota’s top development drivers. He built that reputation through his Truck Series success and his part-time Cup schedule in 2026, which was widely seen as a developmental season. 23XI’s decision was based on that body of work and its long-term planning, not solely on one result. What the win does change is the perception of his readiness. Winning a Cup race on a difficult street course at Naval Base Coronado, and doing so by more than 10 seconds, gives Heim a major proof point that he can convert opportunity at the top level. It also adds momentum to the idea that he could become a bigger factor in Cup even before 2027 if more starts open up. So the direct answer is that Heim has secured a full-time Cup ride already: he is set to join 23XI Racing full-time in 2027.

3 articles · Updated · The San Diego Union-Tribune · Jun 22

23-year-old Corey Heim grabbed his first NASCAR Cup victory by passing teammate Tyler Reddick on the 73rd of 75 laps at the Anduril 250 on Naval Base Coronado.
Reddick braked entering the next corner to avoid wiping out both leaders, then suffered a right-front tire blowout moments later, dropping from contention to 25th.
Bubba Wallace recovered from an earlier two-lap penalty to finish second ahead of Kyle Larson, giving 23XI Racing its first-ever 1-2 finish.
Shane van Gisbergen's exit in a crash 43 laps earlier opened the race, and Heim rebounded from early tire troubles before capitalizing on the late duel.
The win came in NASCAR's first race on a military base and strengthened 23XI's push toward 2027, when Heim is slated to join the team full-time.