Corey Heim, the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion and part-time NASCAR Cup Series driver for 23XI Racing, is set to bring his talent and speed to Nelson Motorsports for a thrilling four-race schedule in the CARS Tour and Virginia Triple Crown. This partnership kicks off at Ace Speedway on May 9 and includes stops at North Wilkesboro Speedway, Hickory Motor Speedway, and the prestigious ValleyStar Credit Union 300 at Martinsville Speedway in September. Heim will take the wheel of the #12 Toyota Camry, backed by AutosByNelson.com and Toyota Racing for the first three races, then PenAir Credit Union for the final race of his 4-race schedule.

A New Chapter for Corey Heim and Nelson Motorsports

Corey Heim has already made a name for himself in NASCAR with his 2025 Craftsman Truck Series championship and his growing presence in the NASCAR Cup Series. Joining Nelson Motorsports for a select four-race schedule marks an exciting new chapter for both the driver and the team. This collaboration offers Heim a chance to keep his foot in a racecar while he has flexibility in his schedule this season, and his success in Late Models makes teaming up with Nelson Motorsports a no-brainer.

Nelson Motorsports is known for its competitive spirit and commitment to excellence in the CARS Tour. Adding a driver of Heim’s caliber to the lineup elevates their potential to compete for wins and championships, while pairing with Nelson's full-time driver of Carson Loftin who was awarded the CARS Tour Rookie of the Year in 2025 and is fresh off a top 5 finish in the season opener at Southern National on February 28th. The #12 Toyota Camry will be a car to watch this season, especially with the support of PenAir Credit Union at the VSCU300, a race that concludes the Virginia Triple Crown.

The 2026 Race Schedule for Corey Heim

The four-race schedule was selected to highlight some of the most iconic short tracks in the region, each offering unique challenges and opportunities for Heim and Nelson Motorsports.

• CARS Tour at Ace Speedway – May 9

The first race for Heim and Nelson Motorsports takes place at Ace Speedway. Known for its fast-paced action and tight racing, Ace is one of those "drivers" racetracks that require hustle, consistency, and patience.

• CARS Tour at North Wilkesboro Speedway – July 17

Returning to the historic North Wilkesboro Speedway, this race is a fan favorite and a track with deep NASCAR roots, and it overlaps the NASCAR Cup Series weekend. Heim claimed the win at North Wilkesboro in 2024 in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. He'll look to make his second ride up the elevator on July 17th.

• CARS Tour at Hickory Motor Speedway – August 8

Hickory Motor Speedway is often called the “Birthplace of the NASCAR Stars.” With a newly announced repave taking place in June, the August 8th CARS Tour race will be an entirely new challenge for every driver in the field.

• ValleyStar Credit Union 300 at Martinsville Speedway – September 26

The final race on Corey's LMSC schedule is the ValleyStar Credit Union 300, held at Martinsville Speedway. This event is the final leg of the Virginia Triple Crown and one of the most prestigious Late Model Stock races in the country. Heim will drive the #12 Toyota Camry with backing from PenAir Credit Union, aiming to make a strong statement in this high-profile race.

What This Means for Fans and Short Track Racing

Corey Heim’s participation in these four races brings added excitement and attention to the CARS Tour, the racetracks, and short track racing as a whole. Fans will have the opportunity to see a top-tier NASCAR driver compete on some of the sport’s most beloved short tracks.

For Nelson Motorsports, this partnership is a chance to continue building momentum with the team that's already off to a strong start in 2026, while gaining feedback from a driver who has proven success at the grassroots and national levels. The collaboration also highlights the growing importance of short-track racing as a platform for driver development and fan engagement.

PenAir Credit Union’s Role in the Partnership

PenAir Credit Union’s partnership with Nelson Motorsports on the #12 Toyota Camry at the VSCU300 is just one of 3 races that PenAir will be on board for. They will also join Carson Loftin for two races at South Boston Speedway: the Virginia Triple Crown race on 6/27, and the CARS Tour finale on 10/17.

Based in Pensacola, Florida, PenAir Credit Union is expanding into the Southwest Virginia market with their digital banking services. Their guiding principles of Respect, Service, and Communerosity align with Nelson Motorsports' values of serving others. As a credit union that's built around their members' needs, PenAir provides easy access to financial resources you’ll actually want to use, and they work with you to unlearn bad habits, break generational cycles and plan a future that fits you.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect from Corey Heim and Nelson Motorsports

As the 2026 season unfolds, you can expect Corey Heim to be a contender in every race he enters for Nelson Motorsports. With much of his early success coming from the Late Model Stock ranks, Heim is a proven winner and knows how to control a race in order to give his team the best finish possible. Pairing him with Carson Loftin, Nelson Motorsports' primary driver, will help make both drivers better and teach Carson a few things he can apply in the #22 team's pursuit of the CARS Tour and Virginia Triple Crown championships.

How to watch Corey Race

All of the races Corey Heim is scheduled for will be broadcasted live on FloRacing, the exclusive media partner of the CARS Tour and NASCAR Local Racing Series.