“The screwing of Corey Heim continues”: NASCAR fans erupt as Joe Gibbs Racing taps 17-year-old Toyota Development driver for 2026 season

NASCAR’s Toyota development pipeline has produced young talent in recent times, but the latest move by Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR) has touched a raw nerve among fans.

On Monday, November 24, Joe Gibbs Racing announced that they have signed 17-year-old Brent Crews, a Toyota Development Driver for the majority of the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. It hasn’t just stirred interest, but lit up social media as a glaring example of how Corey Heim, arguably one of Toyota’s most talented drivers and the 2025 Truck Series champion, is being sidelined.

After Joe Gibbs Racing announced Crews as part of its 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driver lineup on X, fans took to social media platforms to voice their opinions.

Fans' frustration isn’t just about Crews getting an opportunity. It’s deeply rooted in what many believe is Corey Heim being passed over yet again, despite strong performances and winning the Truck Series championship this year.

One fan wrote:

“The screwing of Corey Heim continues.”

The Backmarker

@Thebackmarker21

@JoeGibbsRacing @BrentCrews11 The screwing of Corey Heim continues.

“True, they should move Heim up too with Brent, cuz Brent does deserve this opportunity” another fan wrote.

OrthoBrick

@orthobrick

@Thebackmarker21 @JoeGibbsRacing @BrentCrews11 True, they should move Heim up too with Brent, cuz Brent does deserve this opportunity.

“Corey Heim won a million NASCAR truck races but fuck him I guess” a third fan commented.

Art Vandelay

@woodpellets28

@JoeGibbsRacing @BrentCrews11 Corey Heim won a zillion nastruck races but fuck him I guess

“you guys couldnt sign corey heim? the clearly better prospect and deserves it more? yeah this is why you guys should already rebrand to ty gibbs racing” another user added.

“But not Heim, lol. Petty” a fifth user wrote.

Heim, the 23-year-old driver, has shown a dominating performance in the Truck Series with a series-high 12 wins, 19 top-5s, and 21 top-10s with an average finish of 5.04. Despite having an impressive year, he doesn’t have a seat for the 2026 season yet.

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Brent Crews makes his feelings known about the opportunity to race in NASCAR’s second-tier series with Joe Gibbs Racing

Brent Crews will pilot the #19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota GR Supra for 29 of 33 races in the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Because of his age, Crews is not eligible for the first four races starting off the next season. But once he turns 18 (on March 30), he’ll be eligible for the rest of the races.

In a team press release, Crews said (via JGR's official website):

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be able to race with a winning organization and Toyota. I’ve learned a lot so far with the ARCA program and at the track with the No.19 team. I have a lot to prepare for this season, but I feel confident with all the resources that JGR and Toyota provide to help with an easy transition.”

The 17-year-old driver from North Carolina had a decorated junior career (karting, Trans-Am, CARS Tour) and has shown promise in ARCA ranks and the Truck Series.