COREY HEIM WINS BRICKYARD 400, DENIES 23XI BOSS HAMLIN

Corey Heim won the Brickyard 400 on Sunday in a late-race pass that denied his 23XI Racing co-owner and boss Denny Hamlin victory. Heim, a part-time Cup Series driver with only 14 previous starts in the series, held off Hamlin in the final laps after a restart with 34 laps remaining. The decisive moment came on lap 127 when Heim lined up alongside Hamlin and the two competed for the lead. Heim's defensive block prevented Hamlin from moving to the inside, securing the victory for 23XI Racing.

Heim qualified seventh and finished the opening stage second, establishing himself as a contender from the outset. His crew chief, Bootie Barker, placed him on a winning strategy. On lap 76, Ty Gibbs pitted from the lead, handing the top spot to Heim, who remained among the frontrunners through Stage 2. Hamlin had climbed into contention and moved into second place by lap 105. Joey Logano connected with Heim's car pushing him to the lead in the final stages. The victory marked 23XI Racing's second consecutive Brickyard 400 win.

Hamlin has never won the Brickyard 400, leaving it as a significant gap on his résumé. The race is one of NASCAR's crown jewel events, and winning it would complete Hamlin's Grand Slam of victories in all crown jewel races. Heim acknowledged after the race that Hamlin had grounds to be frustrated but stated he believed both drivers understood the race was for the win.