Corey Heim’s 2025 NASCAR season has been nothing short of spectacular. The 23-year-old driver from Marietta, Georgia, has amassed an impressive 11 wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, setting a new record for the most victories in a single season. This achievement underscores his exceptional talent and potential within the sport.

Despite his on-track success, Heim faces significant challenges off the track. As of late August 2025, reports indicated that Heim was unlikely to secure a full-time ride in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for the 2026 season.

Instead, he is expected to race a combination schedule across all three NASCAR national series, Truck, Xfinity, and Cup, with TRICON Garage, Sam Hunt Racing, and 23XI Racing. This arrangement, while providing valuable experience, may not offer the consistent seat time needed to further develop his skills and career.

One of the primary reasons for Heim’s uncertain future is the financial landscape of NASCAR. Securing a full-time ride often hinges on sponsorship and funding, factors that can overshadow a driver’s performance and potential. For instance, despite his outstanding achievements, Heim’s path to a full-time position remains contingent upon securing the necessary financial backing.

Adding to the complexity, Heim’s association with Toyota and his development deal with 23XI Racing may limit his options. Reports suggest that Joe Gibbs Racing, a leading Toyota team in the Xfinity Series, may be hesitant to offer Heim a ride due to past conflicts with Ty Gibbs in the ARCA series.

This situation underscores a broader issue within NASCAR, where financial considerations often take precedence over talent. Drivers like Heim, who have demonstrated exceptional skill and potential, may find themselves sidelined if they cannot secure the necessary funding. This trend raises concerns about the future of the sport and the opportunities available for emerging talents.

A record year should open doors, but the garage runs on dollars more than dreams. Reddit fans have also voiced their opinion as NASCAR’s Next Big Star Goes Seatless in 2026.

Reddit rallies for Heim’s talent

One fan shrugged: “Unless Riley Herbst goes on fire next year, he’s in the 35 car in 202,7 and he’s getting paid by 23/11 next season anyway. He should probably have a full-time ride next season, but he’s not exactly in a bad spot.” Riley Herbst keeps his ride with Monster Energy cash, even after a so-so year. Heim gets paid to run part-time in 2026, a decent gig but not the full-time shot his talent screams for.

Another looked back: “Ryan Blaney pieced together a schedule between the three series in 2015. He’ll be fine.” Blaney bounced between Truck, Xfinity, and Cup that year, learning fast and landing big later. Heim’s mix of series could build the same path if he keeps shining.

A third cheered: “I mean, he placed 6th at Bristol Racing Cup. If he continues to do great across 3 series, he will end up right where he needs to be. Denny talks about him all the time on his podcast so I’m sure there’s a solid plan in place.” Heim’s sixth in a Cup start at Bristol shows he belongs. Denny Hamlin praises him often, hinting at a plan behind the scenes to lift him up.

The Toyota trap got called: “Well, that’s what die-hard Toyota loyalty gets ya when you have zero sponsors backing you. All Heim needs to do is just abandon Toyota. They ain’t gonna miss him as Joe Gibbs has forgotten he exists and no other Toyota team will take him. And doubt the 23XI deal will last with zero sponsors backing him, unlike Herbst with all that monster money.”

Sticking with Toyota ties Heim to 23XI, but no personal sponsors hurt. Herbst’s Monster deal locks his seat. Without cash, even 11 wins keep Heim juggling rides.

The big gripe hit: “The main thing that bothers me is that someone of his caliber has no major sponsorship to bring. It’s just crazy to me that you can win 10+ races and not have any company go ‘yeah we want to get this guy up there’.”

Eleven wins should draw big checks, but none have. Talent alone does not pay the bills in NASCAR. Heim’s skill is clear, yet the sponsor hunt decides his seat.