NASCAR Unmasks Shocking Rule Ban Ineligibility Behind Corey Heim's Full-Time Cup Push

Corey Heim’s breakthrough in NASCAR this season is colliding with a rule that could cost him eligibility for a major Cup Series honor. The defending Truck Series champion has won two Cup races on a part-time schedule, but 23XI Racing plans to give him a full-time deal for 2027. Even so, Heim will not be eligible for NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year next season because he already has 15 Cup starts, exceeding the 12-start maximum used for rookie classification. The issue also includes that he did not apply as a rookie candidate before the 2027 campaign began. NASCAR VP Mike Forde said the criteria changed recently, and past precedent included exemptions that do not apply here.