Corey Heim's NASCAR Future: Is He Stuck in the Truck Series?
Is Corey Heim's talent being held back? That's the question NASCAR legend Kevin Harvick is asking. Just two weekends ago, Heim showcased his exceptional skills, securing his 10th win of the season in the Craftsman Truck Series. Despite a heavily damaged truck, he powered through to an overtime victory, leaving Brent Crews in the dust by 1.338 seconds. This achievement even surpassed Greg Biffle's 1999 record of 9 Truck trophies.
But here's where it gets controversial. Harvick, who retired in 2023, believes Heim's potential is being limited by staying in the Truck Series. Harvick himself started in Trucks but soared to fame when he moved up to the Cup Series in 2001, eventually becoming the 2014 Cup Series champion.
The Young Phenom's Journey: Before Trucks, Heim dominated the ARCA Menards Series in 2021, securing six wins with an impressive average finish of 3.1. He was nurtured by Venturine Motorsports, a renowned family team that recently closed its doors after 43 remarkable seasons. This team was a breeding ground for NASCAR's elite, including three-time champion Joey Logano and Toyota icon Christopher Bell. However, team owner Billy Venturini singled out Heim as extraordinary, stating, "He is super special."
Harvick couldn't agree more. In his podcast, he expressed, "Corey Heim is exceptional, but he's stuck in the Truck Series. He's outclassing everyone because he's on another level. Put him in the Cup car next year, and he'll be a force to reckon with."
The Cup Series Debate: Heim has already made four Cup Series starts this year with 23XI Racing, finishing 6th in Bristol. However, his 2026 plans are shrouded in mystery, with rumors of a season spanning all three national series. Jordan Bianchi even suggests a Cup Series promotion as late as 2027. Venturini and Harvick both believe Heim could win a Cup race as a rookie, emphasizing his unique talent and composure.
Harvick goes on to compare Heim to Cup Series giants like Joey Logano and Denny Hamlin, who have an edge due to their experience. But will Heim's sponsors recognize his potential and propel him to the top? Only time will tell.
In the world of NASCAR, where Next-Gen parity makes it challenging to distinguish drivers' skills, Heim's story sparks debate. Is he being held back, or is his time in the Truck Series essential for his development? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
