League: NASCAR Sport: Motorsports Country: United States Category: Scores & Results

Corey Heim ineligible for NASCAR Rookie of the Year award

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 6:48 AM

Last updated Aug 12, 2026

Corey Heim ineligible for NASCAR Rookie of the Year award

Summary

Corey Heim will not be eligible for the NASCAR Cup Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year award in 2027 due to exceeding the maximum allowed starts. Having made 15 starts as a part-time driver, he surpassed the 12-start limit set by NASCAR for rookie eligibility. Despite his ineligibility, Heim has made a strong impression with two Cup Series victories, including the Brickyard 400. The situation has drawn criticism as fans recall past instances where drivers with more than 15 starts were still eligible. Amid this controversy, Heim is slated to take over the No. 35 car for 23XI Racing next season, filling the position formerly held by Riley Herbst.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•Heim wins two Cup races in part-time role
•He exceeds 12-start limit for rookie eligibility
•Heim transitions to full-time driver for 23XI Racing
•Fans express criticism regarding eligibility rules

Latest Updates

6:48 AMYahoo Sports — Corey Heim Being Ineligible For NASCAR Award Raises Eyebrows

What they're saying

"
Corey Heim will not be eligible to win the NASCAR Cup Series Sunoco Rookie of the Year award in his first full-time season next year. Because the two-time Cup Series winner has made 15 starts as a part-time driver, he has surpassed the amount of maximum starts.Heim has made a quick impression in the Cup […] The post Corey Heim Being Ineligible For NASCAR Award Raises Eyebrows appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

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