Corey Heim, who is set to begin his first full-time NASCAR Cup Series season with 23XI Racing, recently expressed concerns regarding the structure of the Rookie of the Year award.
The driver stated that races featuring only one rookie candidate essentially function as “a participation trophy.”
Heim will not be eligible for the 2027 honor because he has already exceeded the limit of 12 previous Cup Series starts, according to NASCAR rookie eligibility rules.
Reflecting on his own status, Heim admitted that his experience level makes him ineligible for the award, noting that “it is definitely not fair to Jesse Love” that he has more starts and a competitive car.
Jesse Love, the 2025 Xfinity Series champion, is slated to drive the No. 21 Ford for Wood Brothers Racing next season and currently stands as the primary candidate for the rookie title.
Heim highlighted the 2026 season, where Connor Zilisch served as the only declared rookie, as an example of why he dislikes the current system.
Zilisch finished 33rd in the standings during his debut with Trackhouse Racing, a difficult first season that included 10 DNFs.
Regarding that performance, Heim remarked that “they are going to hand him a trophy and say he is rookie of the year” despite the lack of competition.
Heim, a two-time Cup Series winner, emphasized that his own focus remains on championship goals rather than rookie accolades.
He will replace Riley Herbst in the No. 35 Toyota next year, with team co-owner Denny Hamlin describing him as a “generational talent.”
Heim plans to begin his pursuit of the Chase and a championship run at the Daytona 500 on Feb. 21, 2027.
He noted that he wants to be a champion, adding that “that has always been my goal.”