Get ready for a thrilling ride as we dive into the world of NASCAR and uncover the untapped potential of a rising star!
The Sky's the Limit for Corey Heim
Two weekends ago, Corey Heim showcased his exceptional talent yet again. This Tricon Garage driver secured his 10th win of the season in the Craftsman Truck Series, an incredible feat despite heavy damage to his No. 11 Truck. He emerged victorious in overtime, beating Brent Crews by a substantial margin of 1.338 seconds. Heim's achievements are even more remarkable when considering he surpassed Greg Biffle's 1999 record of 9 Truck trophies. But here's where it gets interesting: Kevin Harvick, a retired NASCAR legend, believes Heim's skills are being overlooked.
Harvick, who started his NASCAR journey in Trucks, knows firsthand the potential that lies beyond this level. He achieved his greatest fame and success when he transitioned to the Cup Series in 2001. As the 2014 Cup Series champion, Harvick feels Heim's talent is being confined to one NASCAR tier for too long.
Before entering Trucks, Corey Heim left an impressive mark in the ARCA Menards Series. During the 2021 season, he secured six wins with an astonishing average finish of 3.1. His rise through ARCA was largely under Venturine Motorsports, a renowned family team that recently announced its closure after an impressive 43-season racing journey. This team has launched the careers of some of the sport's brightest stars, including Cup Series champions like Joey Logano and Toyota legend Christopher Bell. Among these stars, Billy Venturini singled out Corey Heim, calling him "super special."
Kevin Harvick couldn't agree more. Heim has been competing in the Truck Series since 2023, and Harvick believes it's time for a change. "There are guys like Corey Heim who are exceptional," Harvick stated in an episode of "Kevin Harvick's Happy Hour." "I feel like he's been pigeon-holed into the Truck Series. He's out there dominating because he's so much better than the rest. Put him in a Cup car at Daytona next year, and he'll be competitive; he'll figure it out."
Corey Heim has already made four Cup Series starts this year under 23XI Racing, securing a top-ten finish in Bristol, where he placed 6th. However, his plans for 2026 remain uncertain, with various suggestions floating around about a season with starts in all three national series. Jordan Bianchi speculates that Heim may make the jump to the Cup Series in 2027. Billy Venturini agrees with Harvick's assessment: "I believe he'd win a Cup race as a rookie. He's that good. He's unique...ice cold."
Kevin Harvick isn't just advocating for Heim's swift upgrade; he's also drawing comparisons between Heim and some of the best Cup Series stars. In an era of Next-Gen parity, it's challenging to differentiate drivers based solely on talent. With single-spec car parts and aerodynamic challenges, drivers resort to fuel mileage strategies rather than easy passes. Yet, some drivers, like Denny Hamlin, stand out with their persistence and dedication. Hamlin clinched his 60th victory at Las Vegas last weekend, an impressive feat amidst challenges like the NASCAR lawsuit and adjusting to a new crew chief.
According to Billy Venturini, Corey Heim belongs to this elite group of drivers who excel regardless of the circumstances. Heim's humble background hasn't hindered his race preparation; in fact, it's the opposite. "The off-track research these drivers do is insane," Billy said. "In terms of prep using sim and everything else, Corey Heim is the best. He's the best sim driver I've ever seen, and it translates because he's super special."
Kevin Harvick concurs, drawing parallels between Heim and Cup Series stars. "That aligns with everything I've observed...You've got Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin. Ryan Blaney and William Byron are doing well, but they can't match the experience of those two. There are key guys who can turn their season around with a test, dissect the car, and make it better."
Corey Heim's groundbreaking success is turning heads, and the question remains: Will sponsors pave the way for his ascent to greater heights? Only time will tell.
What do you think? Should Corey Heim make the jump to the Cup Series? Share your thoughts in the comments!
