**TLDR** — The verdict is in, and it's not kind to Joe Gibbs Racing. A commanding 51% of 322 voters say JGR fumbled a generational talent by allowing Corey Heim to slide over to 23XI Racing, while 32% offered the organization a lifeline, arguing JGR simply didn't have an open Cup seat to give. Just 17% shrugged it off, insisting it doesn't matter because 23XI is already the premier Toyota team anyway. Readers framed Heim as 'one of our new and upcoming Cup drivers,' a prospect too valuable to misplace, while others suspect Denny Hamlin is chasing a championship and quietly positioning 23XI as Toyota's flagship beyond 2027. The numbers don't lie: most fans think JGR blinked, and 23XI cashed in on the mistake.
Essentially Sports
May 16, 2026
Did Joe Gibbs Racing Make a Mistake by Letting Corey Heim Land at 23XI Racing?

51%
Yes! They Fumbled a Generational Talent
165
32%
No, JGR Simply Didn’t Have an Open Cup Seat
102
17%
It Doesn’t Matter. 23XI Is the Premier Toyota Team
55
322 readers voted
We asked readers to weigh in — 4 shared their take. Here’s what they said:
Reader Reactions
4
no-jgr-simply-didn-t-have-an-open-cup-seat
ed***a***s***0@gmail.com
May 15, 2026 · 1:30 PM EDT
I have no comment
it-doesn-t-matter-23xi-is-the-premier-toyota-team
ja*o*n*p@gmail.com
May 15, 2026 · 12:53 PM EDT
I think Hamlin probably wants a championship and out after 2027 to work full time with and continue building the best Toyota team.
it-doesn-t-matter-23xi-is-the-premier-toyota-team
be***v***e***k@gmail.com
May 15, 2026 · 5:13 PM EDT
Corey Heim is one of our new & upcoming cup driver.
yes-they-fumbled-a-generational-talent
na**v*h*t@hotmail.com
May 15, 2026 · 12:40 PM EDT
I'm sure he will blame someone else for it. It seems to run in the family.