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Yahoo
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
6 NASCAR Prospects Who Could be Future Stars in the Cup Series
The NASCAR Cup Series is led by some of the best drivers in racing, such as William Byron, Kyle Larson, Tyler Reddick, Chase Elliott, and Christopher Bell. While they'll be the faces of the sport for years to come, the next wave of NASCAR prospects could eventually take the places of Denny Hamlin, Joey Logano, and Kyle Busch. Fortunately, fans have already seen glimpses of the next wave of talent coming to the Cup Series, thanks to appearances at the highest level from Connor Zilisch and Corey Heim. They are the headliners of the new era of NASCAR prospects who will be battling for wins in the years to come. Corey Heim, Truck Series There isn't a single driver in NASCAR dominating his level right now more than Corey Heim. Heim's five wins are more than double the total of the next-closest driver (Chandler Smith), and his win total could be even higher if not for incidents where competitors wrecked him or he suffered engine failures. In 2025, Heim has led 986 laps through 15 races—more than the combined laps led by the next eight closest drivers (978). He's already 10th in all-time Truck Series wins (16), despite having just 79 starts at this level. 23XI Racing, Heim's development team, has already given him several runs in the Cup Series to help him acclimate to the Next Gen car. He is certainly talented enough to thrive in the Xfinity Series, but that level is often more about sponsorships and financial backing than driver ability. Heim is likely to become a full-time driver with 23XI Racing in 2027, when he will be the favorite for Rookie of the Year. Corey Heim stats (): 690 points, 5 wins, 11 top 10s, 9 top ts, 3 poles, 988 laps led, 5.4 average starting position, 7.4 average finishing position in 15 races Related: Jesse Love, Xfinity Series Driving for Richard Childress Racing in the Xfinity Series, 20-year-old Jesse Love is demonstrating this season why he is one of the top NASCAR prospects. Already an ARCA champion and the reigning Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year, Love has been a top-five driver this season. He earned his first taste of the Cup Series level this year, although he finished at the back of the field. What's most important is his improved consistency in Xfinity, where he's tied for the most top-10 finishes (12). He's likely still two years away from becoming a regular in the Cup Series, but Love is proving he'll have earned that opportunity when it arrives, and there should be a few more Cup races on his docket in 2026. Jesse Love stats (): 582 points, 1 win, 12 top 1s, 4 top 5s, 2 poles, 2 DNFs, 170 laps led, 8.632 average starting position, 12.111 average finishing position in 19 races Related: Connor Zilisch, Xfinity Series If you can go toe-to-toe with Shane van Gisbergen on a road course twice, beating him once, you clearly have a future in the NASCAR Cup Series. At just 18 years old, Connor Zilisch is one of the youngest drivers in the sport, and he's already making history. In 2025, he became the youngest driver to win five poles in the Xfinity Series (18 years, 10 months, and 23 days), and he's one of the youngest ever to run multiple races in the Cup Series. This year in Xfinity, Zilisch has the third-most top-five finishes (eight) and the second-most laps led (329) among full-time drivers. He'll become a full-time Cup Series driver next season for Trackhouse Racing, replacing Daniel Suárez, and is already the odds-on favorite for Rookie of the Year—all before he turns 20. Connor Zilisch stats (): 617 points, 3 wins, 10 top-10s, 8 top-5s, 4 poles, 329 laps led, 7.667 average starting position, 11.222 average finishing position in 18 races Layne Riggs, Truck Series Corey Heim is in a class by himself in the Truck Series, but fellow driver Layne Riggs is certainly establishing himself as one of the top rising NASCAR prospects in 2025. The 23-year-old earned Truck Series Rookie of the Year honors last season after a strong finish to the year, winning in both August and September, along with a second-place finish at Kansas. He has followed that up in his second season by recording the fourth-most top-five finishes (six) and posting the fifth-best average finishing position (10.7). Racing regularly against Heim is beneficial for Riggs' development, allowing him to improve against a Cup-caliber driver. Once Heim moves up, Riggs could become the best driver at the Truck level, with a full-time spot in the Cup Series becoming a possibility a few years later. Layne Riggs stats (): 525 points, 1 win, 8 top 10s, 6 top 5s, 1 pole, 103 laps led, 11.6 average starting position, 10.667 average finishing position in 15 races Related: Carson Kvapil, Xfinity Series It's easy for Carson Kvapil to get a bit overshadowed in the Xfinity Series with Justin Allgaier, Connor Zilisch, and Austin Hill dominating, while others like Jesse Love and Christian Eckes are on the radar for future spots in the Cup Series. However, Kvapil is still getting noticed. That's proven by the fact that Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic stated earlier this season that big teams are high on Kvapil, especially when it comes to his ability to manage races. While the 22-year-old still hasn't won a race in the Xfinity Series, he's delivered four top-five finishes and 10 top-10s in 17 races this season. He's demonstrated that he's ready to be a development driver for a top team as soon as next year, perhaps even with Team Penske. Carson Kvapil stats (Xfinity Series): 554 points, 8 top 10s, 4 top 5s, 72 laps led, 11.6 average starting position, 13.6 average finishing position in 19 races Christian Eckes, Xfinity Series Rounding out our list for some of the top NASCAR prospects to watch is Christian Eckes. The 24-year-old is a full-time driver in the Xfinity Series for the first time this season, driving the No. 16 car for Kaulig Racing. While the results haven't been phenomenal so far, he recorded a pair of top-five finishes this summer. Eckes knew there would be an adjustment period to this level and this season has demonstrated why he's a few years from reaching the Cup Series. Christian Eckes (): 399 points, 7 top 10s, 3 top 5s, 26 laps led, 16.474 average starting position, 18.947 average finishing position Related Headlines 'Can't Just Trade Everybody': Phillies Owner John Middleton Opens Up About Deadline Approach 'All-Time Low': Pirates Reporter Reveals Why Bryan Reynolds Won't Be Traded at Deadline '1 Percent Chance': Pirates Reporter Shares Bleak Take on Paul Skenes Extension Prospects Yankees Expected 'To Get After It' Before Trade Deadline: 6 Blockbuster Trade Targets, Including Chris Sale


Al Arabiya
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Al Arabiya
Auto racing: Van Gisbergen goes back-to-back in NASCAR and Palou stays on top in IndyCar
NASCAR CUP SERIES Challenge Round 4 – AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 Site: Dover, Delaware. Track: Dover Motor Speedway. Race distance: 400 laps, 400 miles. Schedule: Saturday practice 1:30 p.m., qualifying 2:40 p.m. Sunday race 3:30 p.m. (TNT and MAX). Last year: While leading the final 72 laps, Denny Hamlin held off a late surge from Kyle Larson, earning him his 54th career win. Last race: Shane van Gisbergen secured his third win of the season, leading 97 of 110 laps with a dominate performance in Sonoma. Next race: July 27, Speedway, Indiana. Online: For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app. NASCAR XFINITY SERIES BetRivers 200 Site: Dover, Delaware. Track: Dover Motor Speedway. Race distance: 200 laps, 200 miles. Schedule: Friday practice 4 p.m., qualifying 5:05 p.m. Saturday race 4:30 p.m. (CW). Last year: Ryan Truex took the lead and the white flag from Carson Kvapil in double overtime, giving him his first series victory of the season. Last race: Connor Zilisch blocked a surging teammate, Shane Van Gisbergen, late to maintain the lead and secure the win in Sonoma. Next race: July 26, Speedway, Indiana. Online: NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES Last race: Pole sitter Corey Heim locked in his fifth win of the season while dominating 99 out of 100 laps at Lime Rock Park. Next race: July 25, Indianapolis. Online: FORMULA ONE Last race: Lando Norris scored his first victory at his home race in Silverstone after capitalizing on teammate Piastri's 10-second penalty amidst a safety-car restart. Next race: July 26, Stavelot, Belgium. Online: INDYCAR Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto Site: Toronto. Track: Streets of Toronto. Race distance: 275 laps, 245.85 miles. Schedule: Friday practice 3 p.m. Saturday practice 10:30 a.m., qualifying 2:30 p.m. Sunday warmup 8:30 a.m., race noon (FOX). Last year: Colton Herta firmly led all but four laps to secure the win in a chaotic race that saw numerous incidents and cautions flags. Last race: Alex Palou further secured his place atop the standings following a win in Iowa that saw Palou snatch the lead late with 11 to go. Next race: July 27, Monterey, California. Online: NHRA DRAG RACING Muckleshoot Casino Resort NHRA Northwest Nationals Site: Kent, Washington. Track: Pacific Raceways. Race distance: 1/4 mile. Schedule: Friday qualifying 9:15 p.m. Saturday qualifying 12:30 p.m., qualifying 2:45 p.m., qualifying 5:30 p.m. Sunday race 4:30 p.m. (FOX). Next race: July 27, Sonoma, California. Online:

Associated Press
15-07-2025
- Automotive
- Associated Press
AUTO RACING: Van Gisbergen goes back-to-back in NASCAR and Palou stays on top in IndyCar
All Times Eastern NASCAR CUP SERIES Challenge Round 4 - AutoTrader EchoPark Automotive 400 Site: Dover, Delaware. Track: Dover Motor Speedway. Race distance: 400 laps, 400 miles. Schedule: Saturday, practice, 1:30 p.m., qualifying, 2:40 p.m.; Sunday, race, 3:30 p.m. (TNT and MAX). Last year: While leading the final 72 laps, Denny Hamlin held off a late surge from Kyle Larson, earning him his 54th career win. Last race: Shane van Gisbergen secured his third win of the season, leading 97 of 110 laps with a dominate performance in Sonoma. Next race: July 27, Speedway, Indiana. Online: NASCAR XFINITY SERIES BetRivers 200 Site: Dover, Delaware. Track: Dover Motor Speedway. Race distance: 200 laps, 200 miles. Schedule: Friday, practice, 4 p.m., qualifying, 5:05 p.m.; Saturday, race, 4:30 p.m. (CW). Last year: Ryan Truex took the lead and the white flag from Carson Kvapil in double overtime giving him his first series victory of the season. Last race: Connor Zilisch blocked a surging teammate Shane Van Gisbergen late to maintain the lead and secure the win in Sonoma. Next race: July 26, Speedway, Indiana. Online: NASCAR CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES Last race: Pole sitter Corey Heim locked in his fifth win of the season while dominating 99 out of 100 laps at Lime Rock Park. Next race: July 25, Indianapolis. Online: FORMULA ONE Last race: Lando Norris scored his first victory at his home race in Silverstone after capitalizing on teammate Piastri's 10-second penalty amidst a safety-car restart. Next race: July 26, Stavelot, Belgium. Online: INDYCAR Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto Site: Toronto. Track: Streets of Toronto. Race distance: 275 laps, 245.85 miles. Schedule: Friday, practice, 3 p.m.; Saturday, practice, 10:30, qualifying, 2:30 p.m.; Sunday, warmup, 8:30 a.m., race, noon (FOX). Last year: Colton Herta firmly led all but four laps to secure the win in a chaotic race that saw numerous incidents and cautions flags. Last race: Alex Palou further secured his place atop the standings, following a win in Iowa that saw Palou snatch the lead late with 11 to go. Next race: July 27, Monterey, California. Online: NHRA DRAG RACING Muckleshoot Casino Resort NHRA Northwest Nationals Site: Kent, Washington. Track: Pacific Raceways. Race distance: 1/4 mile. Schedule: Friday, qualifying, 9:15 p.m.; Saturday, qualifying, 12:30 p.m., qualifying, 2:45 p.m., qualifying, 5:30 p.m.; Sunday, race, 4:30 p.m. (FOX). Next race: July 27, Sonoma, California. Online: WORLD OF OUTLAWS Knight Before the Kings Royal 42nd Kings Royal Next race: July 23 - 28. Online: _____ AP auto racing:
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Katherine Legge knocks 23XI's Corey Heim out of Chicago Cup start in shock upset
Entering the Chicago race weekend, five open entries were entered for the final four spots on the grid. While Shane van Gisbergen earned an impressive pole position, it was a David vs. Goliath battle for the last spot in the field with the No. 78 Live Fast Motorsports Chevrolet up against the No. 67 23XI Racing Toyota of Corey Heim. Reigning Supercars champ Will Brown put Kaulig Racing in the show by placing 19th, the Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet of Austin Hill was 30th, and Josh Bilicki made it in with a 31st-place run in the Garage 66 Ford. Advertisement But no one expected Corey Heim, who is currently dominating the NASCAR Truck Series, to be in danger of missing the show. During his first run, the 23XI driver hit the wall and bent a toe-link, putting him in real danger. Even with a wounded car, he bettered his lap by four tenths, but it still wasn't fast enough. Corey Heim, Toyota Corey Heim, Toyota Legge, who made her Cup debut earlier this year at Phoenix, had her own trouble after crashing into the tire barriers during practice. She even touched the wall in qualifying as well, but unlike Heim, she escaped without any significant damage. In the end, she bested Heim by just over a tenth, locking the single-car team into the show and ensuring 23XI's fourth entry with Heim would be sent home. Advertisement "I was thinking, way to go showing all my minor indiscretions there," she told TNT Sports as they replayed her wild day on track. "I tried my best to mess that qualifying up, honestly (laughs). It was a lot of pressure to come in with only 20 minutes of practice on a street course where there is no room for error (and) try to put it in the show. I actually feel pretty good about it now. "We would have been a lot faster had I not kept nicking the walls. I've given my crew a lot of work to do. Sorry guys! But I just had to keep pushing and put it in the show, which we did so I'm very proud of them. I'm very much looking forward to tomorrow and a little bit less stress." More stressful than Indy Katherine Legge, Chevrolet Katherine Legge, Chevrolet Legge has qualified for four Indy 500s in the past, but claimed qualifying for the biggest oval race in the world was less stressful than this. Advertisement "There's a level of comfort with Indy," explained Legge. "I know where I'm going and what I'm doing and here, it's very much drinking from a fire hose, trying to find my feet and get better. And the only way to get better is with laps and we don't have any practice ... it's this vicious circle. But I really appreciate everybody's support. it means the world to me. i can't thank everybody enough. It's been a hell of a year." Legge will start 33rd in the 40-car field for her third Cup start of the year. There are five different countries represented in the field, including Legge, who was born in Surrey, England. Heim reacted to his DNQ on social media, saying he "made a mistake on my first lap and bent the toe link. Tried to get everything I could out of it after that but clearly wasn't enough. That's completely my fault and still trying to process all of it. Thank you 23XI Racing for a car plenty capable enough to make the race." Photos from Chicago - Practice & Qualifying Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Chris Graythen - Getty Images Advertisement Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Chris Graythen - Getty Images William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Chris Graythen - Getty Images Austin Cindric, Team Penske Ford Austin Cindric, Team Penske Ford Logan Riely / Getty Images Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Chris Graythen - Getty Images Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Toyota Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Toyota Chris Graythen - Getty Images Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Ford Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Ford Chris Graythen - Getty Images William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Chris Graythen - Getty Images Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Christopher Bell, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Chris Graythen - Getty Images Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Chris Graythen - Getty Images Advertisement Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Chris Graythen - Getty Images Corey Heim, Toyota Corey Heim, Toyota James Gilbert / Getty Images General view General view James Gilbert / Getty Images Cole Custer, Haas Factory Team Ford Cole Custer, Haas Factory Team Ford Chris Graythen - Getty Images William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet William Byron, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Chris Graythen - Getty Images Michael McDowell, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Michael McDowell, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet James Gilbert / Getty Images Chase Briscoe, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Chase Briscoe, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota James Gilbert / Getty Images John Hunter Nemechek, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Toyota John Hunter Nemechek, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Toyota Chris Graythen - Getty Images Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet Chris Graythen - Getty Images Advertisement Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet James Gilbert / Getty Images Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Kyle Larson, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Chris Graythen - Getty Images Ty Dillon, Kaulig Racing Chevrolet Ty Dillon, Kaulig Racing Chevrolet Chris Graythen - Getty Images Austin Dillon, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet Austin Dillon, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet James Gilbert / Getty Images Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Chris Graythen - Getty Images Alex Bowman, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Alex Bowman, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Chris Graythen - Getty Images Carson Hocevar, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Carson Hocevar, Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Chris Graythen - Getty Images John Hunter Nemechek, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Toyota John Hunter Nemechek, LEGACY MOTOR CLUB Toyota Logan Riely / Getty Images Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Ford Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Ford James Gilbert / Getty Images Advertisement Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Toyota, Riley Herbst, 23XI Racing Toyota Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Toyota, Riley Herbst, 23XI Racing Toyota Chris Graythen - Getty Images Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing Toyota Tyler Reddick, 23XI Racing Toyota Chris Graythen - Getty Images Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Toyota, Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Bubba Wallace, 23XI Racing Toyota, Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Chris Graythen - Getty Images Katherine Legge, Chevrolet Katherine Legge, Chevrolet Chris Graythen - Getty Images Brad Keselowski, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford Brad Keselowski, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford Chris Graythen - Getty Images Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet Kyle Busch, Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet James Gilbert / Getty Images Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Ford Ryan Blaney, Team Penske Ford Chris Graythen - Getty Images Cole Custer, Haas Factory Team Ford Cole Custer, Haas Factory Team Ford Logan Riely / Getty Images Ryan Preece, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford Ryan Preece, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford Chris Graythen - Getty Images Advertisement Chris Buescher, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford Chris Buescher, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing Ford Chris Graythen - Getty Images Ty Gibbs, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Ty Gibbs, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Chris Graythen - Getty Images AJ Allmendinger, Kaulig Racing Chevrolet AJ Allmendinger, Kaulig Racing Chevrolet Chris Graythen - Getty Images Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Chase Elliott, Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet Chris Graythen - Getty Images Corey Heim, Toyota Corey Heim, Toyota Logan Riely / Getty Images Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Denny Hamlin, Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota Logan Riely / Getty Images Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet Shane van Gisbergen, Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet Logan Riely / Getty Images Garrett Smithley, Power Source Ford Garrett Smithley, Power Source Ford Logan Riely / Getty Images Read Also: Shane van Gisbergen earns NASCAR Cup pole in Chicago with blistering lap William Byron: "I'm just an idiot" for wrecking out of Chicago Cup practice Denny Hamlin "couldn't even make a pace lap" before Chicago engine failure To read more articles visit our website.


Time of India
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
NASCAR Rumors: Corey Heim emerges as frontrunner for 23XI Racing's No. 35 Toyota seat
Corey Heim (Image Source: Getty) Speculations have been circulating regarding who will take on a permanent role behind the wheel of the No. 35 Toyota, especially since 23XI Racing announced its expansion to a three-car Cup Series operation. Now that Riley Herbst is officially in the seat, the crystal ball points towards rising NASCAR star Corey Heim as the one to take over this seat in the not-too-distant future, and the vibes around that rumor continue to gain momentum. Corey Heim's strong credentials and upward trajectory At just 22 years of age, Corey Heim is already proving to be one of the brightest talents inside of NASCAR's developmental ladder. Heim has won more than a dozen Truck Series races, including a title for winning the 2023 regular season, and finished second in the overall standings, all of which demonstrate his prowess on racing's biggest stages. His case for a promotion to the Cup Series has only gained more momentum this season in the Truck Series, where he leads in both wins and points. Heim had entered into a developmental deal with 23XI Racing earlier this season, which was to include a part-time Cup Series schedule in the No. 67 car. As one of the part-time Cup drivers this season, he made the most of his minimal starts, highlighted by a 13th place at Kansas, which remains one of the top points earned by a part-time Cup driver this year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Susan Boyle Is Now so Thin and Looks Beautiful! Undo Industry veterans, fans, and insiders alike have been impressed with his performance in the Truck Series and Cup Series. Sponsorship pressures versus performance potential Riley Herbst, with his Monster Energy sponsorship backing, originally put in the No. 35 ride at the time of the announcement, despite Heim's pedigree. It was largely seen as a financial decision, not a football decision. Herbst attracted guaranteed funding; Heim has so far powered her rise with little more than raw talent, not big-brand endorsements. But Herbst, meanwhile, has had a pretty lacklustre maiden Cup season. A few top-20 runs at best, but no impressive outings during the first half of the season, and his seat has come under fire more than once. In the meantime, Heim's success in multiple series and solid early Cup, even with less equipment, has put him firmly on the radar as a legitimate option. What's next for the No. 35 Toyota? 23XI Racing, however, will still keep an eye on it throughout the 2025 season. Herbst, whose deal extends the length of the season, has at least until then to show he belongs. However, if results remain flat, it will surely prioritize on-track performance over any assurances that come with a title sponsorship. Also Read: NASCAR driver Ryan Blaney falls to ground multiple times post-race at Pocono Raceway track However, with team owners Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan both dedicated to competing at the highest level, the No. 35's value could change much sooner than that, too. At some point, Corey Heim's winning pedigree and upward momentum are going to force his hand; seemingly, that point isn't far off. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.