Corey Heim: Denny Hamlin, Martinsville Incident, Height, NASCAR Career and What Happened

Corey Heim is an American professional stock car racing driver who has emerged as a prominent young talent in NASCAR. He competes for 23XI Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series on a part-time basis in 2026 and is scheduled to become a full-time Cup Series driver in 2027.

Heim has attracted attention for his performances in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, where he won the 2025 championship, and for his growing relationship with 23XI Racing co-owner Denny Hamlin. His NASCAR career has also included major victories, including the 2026 Brickyard 400.

Recently, Heim made headlines following an altercation involving members of Treyten Lapcevich’s racing team at Martinsville Speedway. The incident drew reactions from Hamlin and other prominent figures in NASCAR.

Here is everything to know about Corey Heim, including his height, NASCAR career, relationship with Denny Hamlin, and the Martinsville incident.

Who Is Corey Heim?

Corey Heim is an American NASCAR driver known for his success in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and his progression into the Cup Series. Born on June Corey Heim has developed through various levels of stock car racing, gaining experience in late models and national NASCAR competitions.

He joined 23XI Racing’s driver development program in 2024. The team, co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan, provided Heim with opportunities to develop his skills and gain experience in the Cup Series.

His breakthrough came in the Truck Series, where he established himself as a consistent race winner. In 2025, Heim won a record 12 Truck Series races in a single season and secured the championship.

In 2026, he continued to build his reputation with 23XI Racing, earning major Cup Series victories and preparing for a full-time opportunity at NASCAR’s highest level.

Corey Heim and Denny Hamlin’s Relationship

Corey Heim has a close professional relationship with Denny Hamlin through 23XI Racing. Hamlin is one of the team’s co-owners and has played an important role in Heim’s development as a NASCAR driver.

Heim grew up as a fan of Hamlin. He even recalled wearing Hamlin merchandise while attending the 2015 Coca-Cola 600. His eventual opportunity to drive for Hamlin’s team therefore represented a significant moment in his career.

In May 2026, 23XI Racing announced that Heim would join the team full-time for the 2027 NASCAR Cup Series season. He is set to drive the No. 35 Toyota, alongside Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace.

Hamlin publicly expressed confidence in Heim’s potential, describing him as a generational talent and highlighting his work ethic and ability behind the wheel.

What Happened to Corey Heim at Martinsville?

Corey Heim made headlines in September 2026 after being involved in a physical altercation at Martinsville Speedway during the ValleyStar Credit Union 300.

The incident occurred following an on-track confrontation with Treyten Lapcevich. The two drivers were battling during the race, which was won by Caden Kvapil, with Heim finishing second and Lapcevich finishing third.

After the race, their cars made contact again on the cooldown lap, causing significant damage. Lapcevich then got out of his car and moved toward Heim, but team owner Chad Bryant intervened.

Later, while Heim was near the Martinsville hot dog stand, members of Chad Bryant Racing confronted him and threw punches. Video footage of the altercation circulated on social media, drawing widespread attention from NASCAR fans.

Heim attempted to back away and de-escalate the confrontation. He later responded on social media with a photograph of himself and a humorous message directed at those involved.

The incident prompted discussions about conduct and safety in motorsports, particularly at short-track events.

Why Did Denny Hamlin Defend Corey Heim?

Denny Hamlin publicly criticized the people involved in the Martinsville altercation and spoke in support of Heim.

Hamlin expressed his displeasure that Heim was confronted after leaving his race car and team. He also questioned why several people had approached Heim in a physical confrontation.

Hamlin called for NASCAR to take disciplinary action and publicly communicate the consequences for those involved. He also stated that Heim had told the group he did not want to fight.

His comments attracted attention because of his role as Heim’s team co-owner and mentor. The incident also highlighted the professional relationship between the two NASCAR drivers.

Did Corey Heim Get Jumped at Martinsville?

Yes. Corey Heim was punched by members of Chad Bryant Racing following the September 2026 ValleyStar Credit Union 300 at Martinsville Speedway.

The confrontation happened after his on-track incident with Treyten Lapcevich. Footage showed several people approaching Heim near the hot dog stand, where punches were thrown.

Lapcevich later stated that he was not involved in the physical attack and condemned the actions of the team members. Heim subsequently posted about the incident on social media, appearing to make light of the confrontation.

NASCAR later issued penalties related to the incident, including an indefinite suspension for Chad Bryant, according to reports published on September 30, 2026.

Corey Heim Height

Corey Heim’s exact height is not consistently confirmed in the available sources. His official NASCAR profile and team announcements focus primarily on his racing career, achievements and upcoming Cup Series opportunities.

Corey Heim NASCAR Career

Corey Heim has competed in several levels of stock car racing, developing his skills before earning opportunities in NASCAR’s top divisions.

His career highlights include:

• 2022: Began establishing himself as a competitive NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver.

• 2024: Joined 23XI Racing’s driver development program.

• 2025: Won the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship with 12 victories during the season.

• 2026: Earned major NASCAR Cup Series victories, including the Brickyard 400.

• 2027: Scheduled to compete full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for 23XI Racing.

Heim’s Truck Series success helped him secure more opportunities in the Cup Series. His performances in 2026 further strengthened his position as he prepared to take on a full-time schedule.

Corey Heim’s Brickyard 400 Victory

One of the most significant moments in Heim’s 2026 season came when he won the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

The victory demonstrated his ability to compete against experienced Cup Series drivers. It also followed another major victory at Naval Base Coronado, highlighting his performances on different types of racing circuits.

Denny Hamlin and other members of 23XI Racing praised Heim’s preparation, discipline and ability to execute under pressure.

The Brickyard 400 win was an important milestone in Heim’s development as he prepared for his first full-time Cup Series campaign.

What NASCAR Team Does Corey Heim Drive For?

Corey Heim drives for 23XI Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series on a part-time basis in 2026.

The team is co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan and competes with Toyota vehicles. Heim has driven the No. 67 Toyota in selected Cup Series races during his development period.

In 2027, he is scheduled to move into the No. 35 Toyota for a full-time Cup Series campaign.

Corey Heim Racing Stats and Achievements

Corey Heim’s achievements include several important milestones across NASCAR’s national series.

His record-setting Truck Series season and Cup Series victories have been central to his rise through NASCAR.

Is Corey Heim Joining NASCAR Full-Time?

Yes. Corey Heim is scheduled to become a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver in 2027 with 23XI Racing.

The announcement was made on May 30, 2026. Heim will drive the No. 35 Toyota, taking over the entry previously driven by Riley Herbst.

The move marks a major step in his career after several seasons of development and part-time Cup Series appearances. He will join experienced teammates Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace as he begins competing in the full Cup Series schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Corey Heim?

Corey Heim is an American professional NASCAR driver who won the 2025 Craftsman Truck Series championship and competes for 23XI Racing in the Cup Series.

What happened to Corey Heim at Martinsville?

Heim was punched by members of Chad Bryant Racing after an on-track incident with Treyten Lapcevich during the 2026 ValleyStar Credit Union 300 at Martinsville Speedway.

Why did Denny Hamlin defend Corey Heim?

Hamlin criticized the physical confrontation involving Heim and called for disciplinary action against those responsible. He is also Heim’s mentor and a co-owner of 23XI Racing.

How tall is Corey Heim?

His exact height is not reliably confirmed in the available sources.

How old is Corey Heim?

Corey Heim was 24 years old in 2026, according to reporting about his NASCAR career.

Which NASCAR team does Corey Heim drive for?

He drives for 23XI Racing, competing part-time in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026 before his scheduled full-time move in 2027.

Did Corey Heim win the Brickyard 400?

Yes. Heim won the 2026 Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, adding a major Cup Series victory to his racing achievements.

Conclusion

Corey Heim has become a prominent young driver in NASCAR through his success in the Craftsman Truck Series and his performances in the Cup Series. His 2025 championship, 2026 Brickyard 400 victory and upcoming full-time opportunity with 23XI Racing mark important stages in his career.

His relationship with Denny Hamlin has also been an important part of his development. Meanwhile, the September 2026 Martinsville altercation brought additional attention to Heim, with Hamlin publicly criticizing the incident and calling for disciplinary action.