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Corey Heim’s promotion to a full-time NASCAR Cup Series ride in 2027 is just around the corner. The 24-year-old has emerged as one of the sport’s brightest young talents after his Brickyard 400 victory. Heim is officially taking over the No. 35 Toyota from Riley Herbst next year for 23XI Racing.
But according to former NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace, simply putting Heim in the car isn’t enough.
Wallace believes 23XI Racing’s biggest challenge will be deciding whether to keep Heim paired with crew chief Bootie Barker, the veteran who has helped transform the organization’s part-time No. 67 entry into one of the fastest cars in the garage.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Wallace argued that preserving that chemistry could be just as important as Heim’s promotion itself.
Wallace praised what Heim and Barker have accomplished together before explaining the decision he believes team owners Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan must soon make.
“So we know that Bootie Barker and Corey Heim, we know they’re winning races in this 67,” Wallace said. “But next year, Riley Herbst is leaving. That’s the car that Corey Heim is gonna take over.”
Wallace then revealed the question he believes could shape Heim’s rookie Cup season.
“In a perfect world, you take Bootie Barker, you take Corey Heim, and you just plug this team in. Hell, leave it number 67. But a little birdie tells me that maybe Bootie don’t wanna run the whole year. So do we keep this team together? That’s what Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan are gonna have to ask themselves.”
The comments came just days after Heim and Barker celebrated another impressive victory together in the Brickyard 400. Earlier this season, the duo also won at Naval Base Coronado, giving the No. 67 team two victories despite competing on only a limited schedule.
That kind of success is exactly why Wallace believes 23XI should think carefully before splitting up one of its hottest driver-crew chief combinations.
Wallace suggested the issue isn’t whether Heim is ready for full-time Cup competition. His recent performances have answered that question.
Instead, the uncertainty centers on Barker.
The veteran crew chief transitioned into a broader organizational role after the 2024 season before returning to call races for Heim’s part-time schedule. Wallace indicated he’s heard Barker may not want to return to the demands of a full 36-race campaign, creating a difficult decision for 23XI Racing.
If Barker prefers to remain in a management role, Heim could begin his rookie season with a different crew chief despite the proven chemistry the pair has already established.
It’s a decision that won’t need to be finalized immediately, but Wallace believes it’s one of the organization’s most important questions as it prepares for Heim’s expected arrival as a full-time Cup Series driver in 2027.
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But according to former NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace, simply putting Heim in the car isn’t enough.
Wallace believes 23XI Racing’s biggest challenge will be deciding whether to keep Heim paired with crew chief Bootie Barker, the veteran who has helped transform the organization’s part-time No. 67 entry into one of the fastest cars in the garage.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Wallace argued that preserving that chemistry could be just as important as Heim’s promotion itself.
Kenny Wallace says the No. 67 partnership shouldn’t be overlooked
Wallace praised what Heim and Barker have accomplished together before explaining the decision he believes team owners Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan must soon make.
“So we know that Bootie Barker and Corey Heim, we know they’re winning races in this 67,” Wallace said. “But next year, Riley Herbst is leaving. That’s the car that Corey Heim is gonna take over.”
Wallace then revealed the question he believes could shape Heim’s rookie Cup season.
“In a perfect world, you take Bootie Barker, you take Corey Heim, and you just plug this team in. Hell, leave it number 67. But a little birdie tells me that maybe Bootie don’t wanna run the whole year. So do we keep this team together? That’s what Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan are gonna have to ask themselves.”
The comments came just days after Heim and Barker celebrated another impressive victory together in the Brickyard 400. Earlier this season, the duo also won at Naval Base Coronado, giving the No. 67 team two victories despite competing on only a limited schedule.
That kind of success is exactly why Wallace believes 23XI should think carefully before splitting up one of its hottest driver-crew chief combinations.
Barker’s decision could influence Heim’s rookie year
Wallace suggested the issue isn’t whether Heim is ready for full-time Cup competition. His recent performances have answered that question.
Instead, the uncertainty centers on Barker.
The veteran crew chief transitioned into a broader organizational role after the 2024 season before returning to call races for Heim’s part-time schedule. Wallace indicated he’s heard Barker may not want to return to the demands of a full 36-race campaign, creating a difficult decision for 23XI Racing.
If Barker prefers to remain in a management role, Heim could begin his rookie season with a different crew chief despite the proven chemistry the pair has already established.
It’s a decision that won’t need to be finalized immediately, but Wallace believes it’s one of the organization’s most important questions as it prepares for Heim’s expected arrival as a full-time Cup Series driver in 2027.
Continue reading...
