Heim Road to the Championship: With just one race left to determine the contenders for the 2023 NASCAR Truck Series championship, the picture is starting to come into focus. One thing is certain: Corey Heim will have the opportunity to vie for his first series championship. Heim secured his spot in the Championship 4 by winning the opening race of the semifinal playoffs at Bristol. The 21-year-old Georgian driver has had a standout season, boasting three victories, 11 top-five, and 18 top-10 finishes. Heim has also led an impressive 507 laps, the most in the series.
Tricon Garage recently announced that Heim will return for another full-time season in Trucks in 2024, solidifying his commitment to the series.
“We still have unfinished business this season, but I am excited to have my plans set for next year,” Heim commented. “We have continued to improve from top to bottom throughout this season.”
As the series heads into the final race at Homestead-Miami Speedway, only Heim is assured a spot in the Championship 4. Non-playoff driver Brett Moffitt’s win at Talladega complicated matters, leaving three spots up for grabs. Carson Hocevar, starting second in the upcoming race, has the best shot at advancing on points, holding a 23-point lead over fifth-place driver Grant Enfinger.
Christian Eckes, Nick Sanchez, Enfinger, and Ben Rhodes are separated by just 11 points, with Sanchez in the best position to clinch a win after securing the pole position for Saturday’s race.
On the other hand, reigning series champion Zane Smith faces a challenging scenario. Smith, who will transition full-time to the Cup Series in 2024, is 36 points behind the transfer line. Although he’ll start the race in seventh position, it’s likely he’ll need a victory to secure his place in the title race.
Ty Majeski, who won two semifinals last season, is also in danger. He is sixth in points, 19 behind the cutoff. In his last three races, he has finished 18th or worse, making advancement difficult. The NASCAR Truck Series championship will be decided in an exciting final race at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Who won the Craftsman Truck Series Championship tonight?
In a thrilling overtime race at Phoenix, Ben Rhodes emerged as the winner of the NASCAR Truck Series championship. The victory was so unexpected that even Rhodes himself was taken aback. The race was a wild one, with plenty of twists and turns, but Rhodes managed to stay focused and come out on top. This achievement is a testament to his skill and determination as a driver, and it will undoubtedly go down in NASCAR history as one of the most exciting moments in the sport.