Corey Heim Enters Daytona 500 Picture With 23XI: Robinhood Extends Partnership
The road to the NASCAR Cup Series is rarely straightforward, but Corey Heim’s rise has been steady and unmistakable. After a season where he controlled the Craftsman Truck Series with ease, the 23‑year‑old from Georgia is now stepping into the biggest opportunity of his career.
23XI Racing has confirmed that Heim will drive the No. 67 Toyota in an attempt to qualify for the 2026 Daytona 500, a moment that marks the next step in Toyota’s long‑term investment in its top young driver.
This isn’t a casual entry for a prospect looking for seat time. Heim earned this shot by winning at a level that’s almost unheard of in today’s NASCAR landscape. Nearly half the races he entered last season ended with him in Victory Lane. Now he heads to Daytona with expectations, pressure, and a chance to prove he belongs on the sport’s biggest stage.
The Challenge of the “Open” Entry
Daytona 500 qualifying is one of the most unforgiving processes in motorsports. Because the No. 67 is an open entry, Heim has no guaranteed spot. He must either post a top‑tier lap in single‑car qualifying or race his way in through the Duels. It’s a tough position for any driver, let alone one making his first Daytona 500 attempt.
23XI Racing will give him the competitive equipment at the same level used by Bubba Wallace and Tyler Reddick but superspeedway qualifying doesn’t always reward preparation. A small mistake, a missed shift, or a mechanical issue can end the effort before the weekend even begins. That’s the reality of Speedweeks.
But if there’s a young driver built for this kind of pressure, it’s Heim. His 2025 season wasn’t just dominant. It was controlled. He won races by being patient, smart, and calm when others cracked. That composure is exactly what Daytona demands.
Heim and Robinhood: The Partnership Continues
Robinhood returns as Heim’s primary sponsor for the attempt, a sign that the company sees long‑term value in him. For a brand outside NASCAR’s traditional sponsor base and one already involved with NBA teams and European soccer, so sticking with Heim says a lot about his marketability and professionalism.
“It means a lot to me to have the opportunity to represent Robinhood again this season, and it’s extra special to do so at the Daytona 500,” Heim said.Robinhood is also expanding its partnership with Bubba Wallace, giving 23XI a consistent brand presence across multiple entries.
For Heim, having a stable sponsor matters. Funding is the backbone of a driver’s career, and Robinhood’s continued support gives him the freedom to focus on performance rather than worrying about the business side of the sport.
A Proven Superspeedway Talent
Some may question whether a young driver can handle the draft at Daytona, but Heim has already shown he understands how to race on big tracks. He won the Truck Series opener at Daytona last season, managing the air and the chaos with the patience of a veteran. He knows how to survive the wrecks, position himself late, and make the right moves when it counts.
His brief Cup Series stint last year also showed promise. In just four starts with 23XI, he earned a sixth‑place finish at the Bristol Night Race, a track that exposes mistakes instantly. Running that well at Bristol says plenty about his car control and adaptability. 23XI isn’t taking a gamble. They’re giving an opportunity to a driver who has passed every test they’ve put in front of him.
What This Means for 23XI and Toyota
Putting Heim in the Daytona 500 attempt is a strategic move for both 23XI Racing and Toyota. It shows that Toyota’s development pipeline is functioning the way it’s supposed to. Heim is one of their top prospects, and this entry keeps him active at the Cup level without forcing the team to expand its charter lineup before it’s ready.
It also gives 23XI a chance to evaluate him under real pressure which is something no simulator or test session can replicate. If he handles the stress of Daytona qualifying, it strengthens his case as a future full‑time Cup driver.The partnership with Robinhood also signals that 23XI is delivering value to its sponsors.
Bringing in a younger, tech‑focused brand helps NASCAR reach fans outside its traditional base. For Toyota, it reinforces the idea that their next wave of talent is ready to step into bigger roles. Heim’s presence in the No. 67 is a message to the garage: the manufacturer is preparing for the future, and they’re doing it with intention.
What’s Next
When Speedweeks arrives, the No. 67 Toyota will be one of the most closely watched cars in the garage. Corey Heim has earned this opportunity through performance, consistency, and the support of strong partners. But Daytona doesn’t care about résumés. Every driver has to earn their way in.
Heim has the ability, the equipment, and the backing to make the field. Now it comes down to execution. If he gets the job done, he’ll take his place among the 40 drivers who start The Great American Race and he’ll do it by proving he belongs there.
