Corey Heim won his first NASCAR Cup race on a military base; his victory interview took place on an aircraft carrier

Corey Heim had dreamed of winning a NASCAR Cup Series race for years, but his first trip to Victory Lane came in a setting few drivers will experience. He won at San Diego’s Naval Base Coronado, with his post-race interview taking place aboard an aircraft carrier with Prime Video, as reported by The Daily Express. The victory was special for another reason. Heim was driving for 23XI Racing, the team owned by Michael Jordan and Denny Hamlin. After the race, he received messages from both familiar faces and a rival he had crossed paths with on track.

What made Corey Heim’s first NASCAR Cup win so special?

Heim described the San Diego weekend as memorable even before he won the race. “It’s been a phenomenal experience from start to finish,” Heim said. “Really, really cool weekend at San Diego, even before we won the race.


“Just to be able to be there racing on a Naval base is pretty extraordinary to begin with, but all the optics of the event, with the aircraft carrier being at the track, being right on the water in San Diego on Coronado, was super cool.

“So, props to NASCAR for putting that event on, but to stack the win on top of it, man, it’s quite the weekend, and very thankful to be a part of it. First one is super special for me, and definitely hoping to get some more soon.” The celebrations continued at I Bar, a venue made famous by Top Gun. Hamlin later joined the team, while Jordan celebrated from a distance.

What did Michael Jordan text Corey Heim after the victory?

Jordan was not at the celebration, but Heim said the team owner regularly checks in with him after races, regardless of the result. “You know, it's funny, he texts me regardless of whether I run 30th or whether I won the race, you know what I mean,” Heim said.

“He’s a super supportive guy, whether it's a ‘hey, keep your head up’, or a ‘congratulations’ text, it’s always one or the other.

“He's very involved, a lot more involved, and I think a lot of people would assume from his perspective. So to hear from him was, of course, it was awesome.”

Heim first met Jordan during Daytona 500 weekend in February 2025. He said the basketball legend was approachable and easy to talk to, despite his global fame.

For Heim, racing for Jordan and Hamlin has been a valuable experience. He said the cars had been strong throughout the season and praised Jordan’s investment in the organization.

Why did Carson Hocevar congratulate Corey Heim?

Hamlin accidentally shared Heim’s phone number with Carson Hocevar, apparently not realizing Hocevar had been spun by Heim during the race.

Despite their past clashes, Hocevar still sent a congratulatory message.

“He (Hocevar) actually did reach out to congratulate me. You know, we've had our run-ins in the past, but he texted me, basically said, like, ‘hey, I've had that one coming for a long time’.”

Hocevar had recently won at Talladega and reminded Heim how special a first victory feels.

Heim admitted that Hocevar can be difficult to race against, but appreciated the gesture away from the track.

Heim prepares for a full-time Cup Series season

The victory comes after 23XI Racing announced Heim would move into a full-time Cup Series seat next season. With 12 starts this year, he believes the experience will help him prepare for the demands of a full campaign.

His immediate goal is to make the playoffs, but he prefers to take the season race by race. The San Diego win has given him and the team confidence that they can compete for more victories.