Corey Heim’s Cup Series Debut at Kansas: A Crucial Test for NASCAR’s Rising Star

By emmasportMay 12, 2025

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Corey Heim, a standout in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, is set to make his NASCAR Cup Series debut at Kansas Speedway, a track known for its high speeds and technical challenges. With 12 Truck Series victories since 2022, including a notable win at Darlington in 2025, Heim’s promotion to the Cup Series has been highly anticipated .

Driving the No. 67 Toyota Camry XSE for 23XI Racing, co-owned by Denny Hamlin and NBA legend Michael Jordan, Heim enters a field of seasoned veterans at the AdventHealth 400. Hamlin, a four-time winner at Kansas Speedway, has emphasized the importance of this track in a driver’s career, describing it as “unforgiving” and a “must-read drama” for newcomers .

Hamlin’s own experiences at Kansas have been a mix of triumphs and challenges. Despite his successes, he recently faced mechanical issues during the AdventHealth 400, leading to a rare back-to-back DNF (Did Not Finish) streak . This underscores the track’s unpredictability and the steep learning curve Heim will face.

“That’s the goal for sure” @CoreyHeim_ on if he would like to make more starts for @23XIRacing in 2025 outside of the ones he is already scheduled for.

Heim also spoke about the added benefit of already having a start under his belt at Kansas. pic.twitter.com/XOp0s7DSOZ
— Frontstretch (@Frontstretch) May 10, 2025

Heim’s debut is not just a personal milestone but also a strategic move for 23XI Racing, signaling the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent. With Hamlin’s mentorship and the team’s support, Heim’s performance at Kansas could set the tone for his future in the Cup Series.

As the racing community watches closely, Heim’s ability to adapt to the demands of the Cup Series at a track as challenging as Kansas will be a testament to his readiness for the sport’s highest level.

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Formula 1 Driver Could Make His NASCAR Debut After Missing Out 4 Years Ago

**Pietro Fittipaldi Eyes NASCAR Debut with Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91**
Pietro Fittipaldi, the Brazilian-American Haas F1 reserve driver and grandson of two-time Formula 1 champion Emerson Fittipaldi, is closer than ever to realizing his NASCAR dream after a near-miss four years ago. Now 28, Fittipaldi’s journey from open-wheel racing to stock cars has reignited interest, with Trackhouse Racing’s innovative “Project 91” program emerging as a potential gateway for his debut.

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### **Background: A Lifelong Passion for Stock Cars**
Fittipaldi’s roots in NASCAR trace back to his childhood in Miami, where he began karting at age nine. By 2011, he was competing in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series, earning a Limited Late Models track championship at Hickory Motor Speedway in 2012. Reflecting on this period, he noted, *“I learned so much from car racing through NASCAR”*—a foundation that fueled his versatility across disciplines like IndyCar, endurance racing, and F1.

Despite his success in Europe—including titles in Formula Renault and Formula V8 3.5—Fittipaldi’s heart remained tied to oval racing. In 2021, a collaboration between Dale Coyne Racing and Rick Ware Racing nearly secured him a NASCAR road course seat, but logistical hurdles derailed the plan. Rick Ware, a Cup Series team owner, praised Fittipaldi’s talent, calling him a “natural fit” for NASCAR.

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### **The Trackhouse Racing Opportunity**
Trackhouse Racing’s **Project 91**—a initiative designed to bring global motorsport stars into NASCAR—has become Fittipaldi’s most promising avenue. The program previously hosted F1 legend Kimi Räikkönen and Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen, who transitioned to full-time NASCAR racing after his Project 91 debut.

In a recent interview, Fittipaldi expressed enthusiasm: *“Of course, it would be amazing. I feel like my roots are NASCAR racing… I’ve always loved oval racing too”*. Trackhouse’s openness to international talent aligns with Fittipaldi’s profile, especially given his dual role as Haas F1’s reserve driver and his current commitments in IMSA and the European Le Mans Series.

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### **Challenges and Logistics**
Balancing F1 duties with a NASCAR debut remains a hurdle. Fittipaldi’s schedule includes reserve drives for Haas, IMSA races with Pratt Miller Motorsports, and ELMS campaigns with Vector Sport. However, Trackhouse’s flexible Project 91 model—which allows for one-off entries—could accommodate his packed calendar.

Another factor is equipment availability. Trackhouse’s No. 91 car is reserved for guest drivers, but the team also fields the No. 88 for van Gisbergen. With van Gisbergen now racing full-time, Fittipaldi could target road courses like Circuit of the Americas or Watkins Glen, where his open-wheel expertise would shine.

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### **Historical Context: F1 Drivers in NASCAR**
Fittipaldi’s potential move follows a small but notable trend of F1 drivers exploring NASCAR. Champions like Jenson Button, Kimi Räikkönen, and Juan Pablo Montoya have all dabbled in stock cars, though none achieved sustained success. Fittipaldi’s unique background—blending NASCAR grassroots experience with F1 technical knowledge—could set him apart.

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### **Conclusion: A Full-Circle Moment**
For Fittipaldi, a NASCAR debut would fulfill a lifelong ambition. As he told *Frontstretch*, *“I was super excited to do it back then… It feels like destiny.”* With Trackhouse’s global vision and his own resilience—honed through a career-threatening 2018 crash at Spa—the stars may finally align for this cross-disciplinary racer.

If successful, Fittipaldi’s journey could further bridge the gap between F1 and NASCAR, inspiring a new generation of drivers to embrace versatility in motorsport.

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