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Who Is Corey Heim? Meet the NASCAR Driver Who Just Won in San Diego

Corey Heim has been one of NASCAR’s most talked-about young prospects for years. On Sunday, he gave the rest of the racing world a reason to learn his name.

The 23-year-old Georgia native captured the inaugural Anduril 250 on the San Diego Street Course, earning his first NASCAR Cup Series victory and the biggest win of his career. Driving the No. 67 Toyota for 23XI Racing, Heim held off a hard-charging Bubba Wallace over the closing laps to become the surprise winner of NASCAR’s newest event.

For fans who found themselves searching “Who is Corey Heim?” after the checkered flag, here’s everything you need to know about one of the sport’s fastest-rising stars.

Corey Heim Is One of NASCAR’s Top Young Drivers

Born on July 5, 2002, in Marietta, Georgia, Heim built his reputation by winning races at nearly every level he entered.

He first gained national attention in ARCA competition before becoming a standout in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Over the past several seasons, Heim has established himself as one of Toyota’s premier developmental drivers and one of the most successful young racers in the NASCAR pipeline.

His breakthrough season came in 2023 when he won multiple Truck Series races and captured the regular-season championship. He followed that success with even bigger accomplishments, ultimately winning the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship.

Before Sunday’s breakthrough, Heim was already widely viewed as one of NASCAR’s top young prospects and one of Toyota’s most important developmental drivers.

How Corey Heim Reached the NASCAR Cup Series

Heim’s success in Trucks and ARCA earned him opportunities in NASCAR’s national touring divisions.

He made his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series debut in 2023 and quickly proved he could compete against more experienced drivers. At the same time, he continued serving as a development driver within Toyota’s racing program.

His NASCAR Cup Series opportunities began arriving in 2024, primarily in substitute and part-time roles. Those appearances allowed Heim to gain valuable experience while continuing to build his résumé in the lower series.

For the 2026 season, Heim returned to a part-time Cup Series schedule with 23XI Racing, the organization co-owned by Denny Hamlin and NBA legend Michael Jordan.

Corey Heim’s Career Reached a New Level in San Diego

While Heim entered Sunday’s race as a respected prospect, he left San Diego as a NASCAR Cup Series winner.

The victory came in just his 13th career Cup start and marked the first Cup Series win for the 23-year-old driver. It also added another major achievement to a career that has already included championships, race victories, and records throughout NASCAR’s developmental ranks.

Starting 13th, Heim methodically worked his way through the field and held off a late challenge from teammate Bubba Wallace to secure the victory.

The win marked a major milestone for a driver who has spent years dominating NASCAR’s developmental levels while waiting for a full-time opportunity at NASCAR’s highest level.

At just 23 years old, Heim now owns a Truck Series championship, dozens of victories across NASCAR’s national series, and a Cup Series win that could prove to be a turning point in his career.

For fans searching his name after Sunday’s race, the answer is simple: Corey Heim is one of NASCAR’s brightest young stars, and his biggest moments may still be ahead.

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