League: NASCAR Sport: Motorsports Country: United States Category: Playoffs

NASCAR updates rookie rules, disallows Heim for 2027 eligibility

Racer • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 2:51 PM

Last updated Aug 12, 2026

NASCAR updates rookie rules, disallows Heim for 2027 eligibility

Summary

NASCAR has implemented new criteria for drivers aiming to declare for the Rookie of the Year in the Cup Series, limiting eligible drivers to no more than 12 starts prior to the designated season. In the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and Craftsman Truck Series, the restrictions are set at 10 and eight starts, respectively. This rule change impacts driver Mike Heim, who will no longer be able to qualify for Rookie of the Year status in 2027. The revised regulations are part of NASCAR's commitment to standardizing its rookie eligibility across various series, ensuring a fairer opportunity for new drivers.

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Key Details

•New criteria limit Cup Series rookies to 12 prior starts.
•O’Reilly Auto Parts Series drivers can have 10 prior starts.
•Craftsman Truck Series drivers face a limit of eight prior starts.
•Mike Heim is ruled out for the 2027 Rookie of the Year.
•The changes aim to create a more equitable environment for new drivers.

Latest Updates

2:51 PMRacer — NASCAR redefines rookies, ruling out Heim for ’27

What they're saying

"
The new criteria is that in the Cup Series a driver can have no more than 12 starts prior to the season they want to declare for Rookie of the Year. It is 10 starts in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and eight in the Craftsman Truck Series.
— Racerby Kelly Crandall

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