Corey Heim's 2027 NASCAR Cup Series Plan Uncertain Amid 23XI Racing Decisions

Corey Heim is set to move to a full‑time ride in the NASCAR Cup Series for 2027, taking over the No. 35 Toyota from Riley Herbst. The transition appears straightforward, but team owner Denny Hamlin and co‑owner Michael Jordan face a strategic dilemma.

Former driver Kenny Wallace warned that the future of the partnership with crew chief Bootie Barker is unclear. Barker, who helped Heim win races on a part‑time schedule—including victories at Naval Base Coronado and the Brickyard 400—may not want to run a full 36‑race season. He was recently shifted from Bubba Wallace’s crew chief role into a broader senior position at 23XI Racing, adding further uncertainty.

If Barker steps back from the pit box, the team must decide whether to keep the successful Heim‑Barker pairing intact or restructure the No. 35 effort, a choice that could shape Heim’s debut season and 23XI Racing’s competitive outlook.