Corey Heim showcased remarkable performance during the inaugural NASCAR race at Naval Base Coronado. Despite slamming into the wall twice and damaging his tires within the first few runs, Heim’s No. 67 Toyota gained speed steadily. This impressive feat led to his first career Cup Series victory in only his 13th start.

At just 23 years old, the part-time driver from Marietta, Georgia, demonstrated calm and confidence throughout the race. Before the second half began, Heim reminded himself of his extensive experience, which matched that of many veteran drivers on the demanding 16-turn, 3.4-mile street course on Coronado Island, just south of downtown San Diego.

I’m speechless. Maybe I knocked some good into the car. I had high expectations coming into this race. I just reset and went after it, Heim expressed after the race.

Heim, the 2024 truck series champion, led the final three laps, overtaking his teammate Tyler Reddick for the lead. Heim explained his strategy during the closing laps:

I was able to stick with him, and five to go came, and it was time to put some pressure on him and see if I could get him to make a mistake. Sure enough, he did.

Bubba Wallace secured a second-place finish, resulting in a 1-2 finish for 23XI Racing, co-owned by Denny Hamlin and Michael Jordan. Unfortunately for Reddick, a flat tire in the closing laps dropped him to 25th place, reducing his lead in the standings to eight points over Hamlin.

To even have a shot at it at the end was really nice. First and foremost, congratulations to Corey. I thought I was going to be able to hold him off there. It definitely stings. Really needed a good points day. Had another really bad one, so we’ll try and scrape together, Reddick shared.

This race marks the second time in three years that an inaugural street race produced a first-time winner in NASCAR’s premier series. Shane van Gisbergen previously achieved this in the 2023 Chicago Street Race. Heim joins Ty Gibbs and Carson Hocevar as the third first-time winner in the Cup Series this season.

Just crazy. I hope I don’t wake up from this dream, Heim mentioned regarding his win.

Fellow drivers recognized Heim’s talent, as two-time Cup champion Kyle Larson noted:

Awesome job by Corey Heim. That’s really cool. He’s a super talented race car driver, and it’s neat to see somebody get their first win, especially at a challenging track like this.

Zane Smith and AJ Allmendinger completed the top five finishers, with Hamlin, who won the previous three races for Joe Gibbs Racing, ending in 14th place.

SVG’s Challenges

Shane van Gisbergen faced difficulties, finishing 38th as he aimed for his eighth road or street course victory, which would make him the active leader among Cup drivers. Starting from the pole position, van Gisbergen was caught in a crash involving Trackhouse Racing teammate Connor Zilisch and Austin Hill during a Lap 32 restart. The crash involved nine cars and led to a red flag lasting nine minutes for wall repair.

I felt like I was giving Austin space, and the next thing, I was in the wall, Zilisch noted. Despite leading the first eight laps in his Cup career, Zilisch expressed regret over the incident.

Driver Swap

During the first caution, Christopher Bell was replaced in the No. 20 Toyota by Brent Crews. However, Crews exited the race in last place following a gearbox issue on the 28th lap. Bell, recovering from a broken wrist in a June 7 crash, stated his exit was precautionary, not due to pain.

Johnson’s Final Appearances

In his second and final Cup start of the 2026 season, Jimmie Johnson finished 28th after hitting a tire barrier upon missing a chicane on the fifth lap. The seven-time series champion plans for the 2027 Daytona 500 to be his last Cup race, though he remains open to competing in other series.

Next Up

NASCAR remains in California, moving to Sonoma Raceway on June 28. Van Gisbergen previously dominated this road course, leading 97 of 110 laps from pole position last season.

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