Corey Heim is, without question, the hottest young driver since Kyle Larson. The 2025 Craftsman Truck Series Champion has been without a full-time ride in 2026, but has been dubbed the next 23XI Racing driver for a couple of years now, and has been racing in Cup part-time since 2024.

23XI Racing and co-owner Denny Hamlin made it official today at Nashville Superspeedway. Corey will replace Riley Herbst in the No. 35 Camry starting in 2027. “Corey is a gifted driver who is continuing to get better and better with each race he runs…” adding, “We are thankful to Riley for all he has done to help get the 35 team going…”

Corey has run nine races for 23XI since 2024 in both the 50 and 67 Camrys. His best finish, 6th, came last season at the fall Bristol race. In 2026, his finishes have not reflected his performance; he has led races and taken spots in Stages.

Sponsors have not yet been announced, nor has Riley Herbst’s future landing place. Herbst has only a single top 10 to date in the 35 car, but does have three total over his short career. Speculation says that Riley will likely take over the upcoming third chartered car for the fellow Toyota Gazoo Racing team, Legacy Motor Club. Coincidentally, Heim made a pair of starts for that team while filling in for an injured Erik Jones.

Image Credit: Patrick Vallely