Corey Heim claims first Cup win on a military road course
Corey Heim became the inaugural champion of the Anduril Race the Base 250 after outlasting 23XI teammate Tyler Reddick on the temporary course at Naval Base Corando.
Race drama and mid‑week twists
Early leaders Shane Van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch were early eliminated while chasing the green flag, while Austin Hill’s pursuit of the lead faltered on a late‑oval run that stalled the pack.
Heim noted, “I avoided a big wreck that took key players out. I kept my head in the game and passed cleanly against one of the best.”
Denny Hamlin echoed his surprise, saying, “He had plenty of speed. I didn’t expect him to pull away. The margin felt like ten seconds.”
Insights from the wheels and command
2024 23XI Racing driver and NASCAR Cup hopeful, Heim’s victory over championship contender Reddick was the headline moment for 23XI’s impending full‑time 2025 campaign.
Ben Kennedy, NASCAR’s Chief Operating Officer, called the finish “mission accomplished” and highlighted the seamless coordination with the United States Navy to run the event on an active military installation.
He added, “We’ll review what worked, consider a return, and keep looking at new venues and the possibility of more street courses.”
Attendance and future prospects for street racing
Seventy‑seven percent of ticket buyers were first‑time attendees, with an 11 percent rise in female turnout compared to normal Cup dates.
Fans reached 48 states and 17 nations, prompting Kennedy to propose “two street‑course events a year” to expand NASCAR’s reach and grow the fan base.
Looking ahead
The seventh‑year schedule will include continued experimentation: from the first L.A. Coliseum build to the temporary Chicago arena and now the base‑course sprint, each iteration seeks higher attendance and tighter safety standards.
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