Corey Heim has long been viewed as a prospect ready to jump immediately into the Cup Series. He hasn't made this move just yet, nor is he in any rush.
Heim, a 14-time Truck Series winner, is just taking it season by season while enjoying the ride.
"I don't really let that get to me too much," Heim said Saturday at Kansas Speedway. "I just focus on the current opportunities that I have at hand.
"I definitely feel like I'm ready to make Cup starts - I don't know if I'm ready to be a full-time Cup driver, that is what I'm learning as I go. I certainly feel like I am, but it is going out and proving that."
Heim has made limited starts in other national series. He has competed in 20 Xfinity races since 2023, and he has made three Cup Series starts. Two were with Legacy Motor Club and another was with 23XI Racing.
Photo credit: Nigel Kinrade Photography
Heim will return to the Cup Series this weekend at Kansas. This will be his second start at the 1.5-mile track, and his first of the 2025 season. It will provide another opportunity to gain experience racing against the biggest names in the sport.
Heim posted top-25 finishes in his first two Cup Series starts. He finished 29th in his third after one of the numerous crashes in a chaotic final stage.
If the Truck Series points leader continues to show progress in the Cup Series car while competing at Kansas Speedway, Nashville Superspeedway, and on the streets of Chicago, the comments about his Cup future will only grow louder.
Will this make him grow impatient? Will he start to pursue opportunities?
At this point, the answer is no. Heim is having a lot of fun with Tricon Garage while winning a lot of races.
"I think a lot of it comes back to how good our 11 team is in the Truck side right now," Heim said. "When you are winning races and competing very consistently, it's fun and you are having a good time. It is rewarding.
"I feel like if maybe I was struggling more on the Truck side or maybe seeking other opportunities, I feel like it would be different, but I'm really happy with my opportunities in the Truck Series. We are competitive every week, and it is really fun. It is rewarding - that is the main thing."