Corey Heim, driving the No. 67 car for 23XI Racing during the NASCAR Cup Series qualifying on the streets of Chicago, unfortunately did not qualify for the race, marking him as the only driver to be denied a spot. His shot at the race ended when Katherine Legge outperformed him in qualifying.
Heim, who primarily competes full-time in the Craftsman Truck Series for Tricon Garage, was given this opportunity despite the absence of a Truck Series race this weekend. He has been considered a rising star and could soon make a permanent move up to the Cup Series given his strong performances in the Truck Series.
Following his DNQ, Heim took to social media to express his disappointment, acknowledging that he made a critical error on his initial lap which resulted in damaging the toe link. This mistake hindered his speed for the remainder of the session, and he accepted full responsibility for not securing a place in the race.
“The toe links on these cars are fragile, and once it’s bent, it significantly impacts performance,” Heim stated, highlighting the importance of the car’s components in achieving race readiness.
Despite the setback, the weekend showcased mixed outcomes for 23XI Racing. While teammate Tyler Reddick qualified in P4 and Bubba Wallace struggled following a wreck that placed him in P37, Riley Herbst found some balance qualifying in P21.
For Heim, who is still acclimating to the Cup Series and has no prior experience on this specific track, the learning curve remains steep. Yet, his impressive achievements in the Truck Series have garnered attention, and many believe he has a bright future ahead in NASCAR.
On a positive note, Katherine Legge’s success in qualifying for the race demonstrates her skill, highlighting that every setback could pave the way for new opportunities. If 23XI Racing remains committed to Heim, his talent may soon shine on the Cup Series stage, reflecting the potential for both current and future success in NASCAR.