Get ready for a thrilling story about a rising star in the world of NASCAR!
Corey Heim: The Next Big Thing?
Two weekends ago, Corey Heim showcased his incredible talent yet again. This young driver, representing Tricon Garage, secured his 10th win of the season in the Craftsman Truck Series. Despite facing significant challenges and damage to his No. 11 Truck, Heim pulled off an overtime victory, leaving Brent Crews in his dust by a margin of 1.338 seconds. Not only that, but Heim shattered Greg Biffle's 1999 record, claiming an impressive 10 Truck trophies.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Kevin Harvick, a retired NASCAR legend who started his journey in Trucks just like Heim, believes that the young phenom has been stuck in one tier for too long. Harvick, the 2014 Cup Series champion, sees immense potential in Heim and feels it's time for him to take on new challenges.
The ARCA Trailblazer
Before making his mark in Trucks, Corey Heim left an indelible impression in the ARCA Menards Series. During the 2021 season, he dominated with six wins and an average finish of an impressive 3.1. His rise through ARCA was largely under the guidance of Venturine Motorsports, a legendary family team that recently announced its closure after an incredible 43 seasons of racing. This team has been a launching pad for some of the sport's brightest stars, including Cup Series champions like Joey Logano and the renowned Toyota legend, Christopher Bell.
Billy Venturini, a key figure in the team, singled out Corey Heim as someone truly exceptional. He said, "He is super special." And Kevin Harvick couldn't agree more.
Harvick, in an episode of "Kevin Harvick's Happy Hour," highlighted Heim's exceptional talent, stating, "There are guys like Corey Heim who are special. I feel like he's been pigeon-holed into the Truck Series right now. He's out there dominating because he's so much better than the competition. If you put him in a Cup car at Daytona next year, he'll be competitive and quickly adapt."
The Cup Series Calling?
Corey Heim has already made four Cup Series starts this year under 23XI Racing, showcasing his versatility by finishing 6th in Bristol. However, his plans for 2026 remain a mystery, with speculations ranging from a full season in all three national series to a potential Cup Series debut in 2027. Jordan Bianchi believes the latter is more likely.
Billy Venturini, in agreement with Harvick, stated, "I believe he'd win a Cup race as a rookie. He's that good. He's unique...ice cold."
A Comparison to the Best
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 to gain an edge. Yet, some drivers, like Denny Hamlin, continue to stand out.
Hamlin, amidst struggles such as the NASCAR lawsuit and adjusting to a new crew chief, clinched his 60th victory at Las Vegas last weekend. This achievement, his 6th trophy of the season, is a testament to his unwavering dedication and skill.
Billy Venturini believes that Corey Heim belongs in this elite category of drivers who excel regardless of the circumstances. Venturini praised Heim's off-track preparation, stating, "The amount of research these drivers do off-track is insane. Corey Heim is the best sim driver I've ever seen. He's super special, and it shows in his performance."
Kevin Harvick echoed these sentiments, drawing parallels between Heim and Cup Series stars like Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin. "They have the experience that younger drivers like Ryan Blaney and William Byron can't match. These key guys can turn their seasons around with their ability to dissect and improve the car."
The Future is Bright
Corey Heim's success is turning heads, and the question remains: Will sponsors open doors for him to reach even greater heights? Only time will tell if Heim's talent will be rewarded with the opportunities it deserves.
What do you think? Should Heim make the jump to the Cup Series? Share your thoughts in the comments!
