Corey Heim already has two wins as a NASCAR Cup Sequence driver, wheeling the part-time No. 67 23XI Racing Toyota to victories in San Diego and the Brickyard 400 at Indianapolis.
Nonetheless, NASCAR says that Heim won’t be eligible to compete for Rookie of the 12 months honors in 2027 as he embarks on his first full-time season. He’s additionally not eligible this 12 months both as he did not declare for Cup factors. Within the proprietor standings, that No. 67 entry is definitely inside 20 factors of line 2026’s solely ROTY candidate, Connor Zilisch, regardless of operating solely a 3rd of the schedule at this level.
On this week’s episode of Hauler Speak, NASCAR’s vp of racing communications Mike Forde addressed Heim’s eligibility for Rookie of the 12 months.
“The rookie designation has modified over time, and in addition, not all rookies are created equal,” defined Forde. “To be a rookie, you need to apply to be a Rookie of the 12 months candidate. So, you possibly can undergo your entire season, be a rookie — be a primary 12 months driver — and never technically be a Rookie of the 12 months candidate in the event you did not apply to take action.”
Shane van Gisbergen made 14 Cup begins earlier than his true rookie season in 2025, profitable ROTY. Nonetheless, the principles have since modified.
“Lately, we’ve modified the rookie standards,” continued Forde. “For the NASCAR Cup Sequence, you possibly can have not more than 12 begins previous to the Rookie of the 12 months season you are trying to apply for. Corey Heim has 15 proper now, so by the rule, he can’t be a rookie in 2027, or no less than a Rookie of the 12 months candidate.”
Due to that and the quantity of begins he has made, Forde says that is technically Heim’s rookie season, however he is not eligible for ROTY as he did not declare for it.
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