The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series returned to one of its oldest and most storied tracks, North Wilkesboro Speedway, for the thrilling Window World 250. This legendary half-mile oval, dating back to 1949, once again provided fans with an intense night of racing full of tight battles, strategic gambles, and dramatic late-race action. While Chandler Smith ultimately took the checkered flag for his second win of the season, the race also featured standout performances, especially from Corey Heim, who led the most laps of his career but came up just short of victory. Here’s a closer look at all the key moments from the action-packed race.
Early Drama and Strategy Sets the Tone
Right from the green flag, North Wilkesboro’s slick and tricky surface challenged the drivers. Kyle Busch started on the inside, but it was Corey Heim who quickly surged to the front, showcasing his speed early on. However, the tight confines of the half-mile and the loose air pressure on tires led to multiple early cautions, including a stalled truck that brought out the first yellow flag.
The early part of the race featured some tough decisions from crew chiefs as the field approached the stage breaks. With 22 laps remaining in the first stage, teams had to decide whether to pit for fresh tires or stay out and fight for valuable stage points. Some drivers, like Corey Heim, opted to prioritize track position and fresh tires over points, anticipating the advantage that new rubber would bring on the slick track.
Gio Ruggiero Grabs Early Stage Win Amidst Traffic
The first stage ended with Gio Ruggiero pulling off a key stage victory after holding off strong challenges from Corey Heim and others. Ruggiero’s ability to navigate lap traffic proved crucial as he faced the difficult task of passing slower trucks at critical moments, including on the final lap of the stage.
Corey Heim was close behind in second, showing that he was a major contender throughout the race. Despite the tight racing and jostling for position, drivers had to manage their trucks carefully on the challenging surface where side force and grip were at a premium.
Grant Enfinger and Corey Heim Battle for Dominance
The middle portion of the race saw Grant Enfinger take command, leading a staggering 56 laps—more than he had in all of 2025 prior to this event. But Corey Heim was relentless, matching Enfinger lap for lap and keeping the pressure on.
Meanwhile, other contenders like Chandler Smith and Layne Riggs battled hard to break into the top spots. The slick conditions led to several near-misses and incidents, including blown tires and trucks sliding up the track. One key moment was when Connor Jones suffered a right-front tire blowout and made contact with the wall, adding another caution to the race.
The constant back-and-forth racing and traffic management made this segment a test of both driver skill and pit crew strategy. Fresh tires played a pivotal role, with some teams opting for a late pit stop gamble that would pay dividends in the final stage.
Late-Race Aggression and Multiple Cautions
As the race entered its final laps, the intensity skyrocketed. Drivers were aggressive on restarts and pushed their trucks to the limit, especially with the championship implications looming.
Corey Heim and Chandler Smith emerged as the key figures in the closing battle, racing nose to tail with several tight side-by-side moments. Layne Riggs also joined the fray, adding to the mix with his daring moves through turns one and two.
However, the late stages were marked by repeated cautions caused by aggressive racing and contact among trucks fighting for position. One pivotal caution came just four laps from the end, caused by Heim’s teammate Brent Cruz spinning out, which reset the field and set the stage for a nail-biting finish.
Heartbreak for Heim, Triumph for Smith in Thrilling Finish
The restart with only a few laps remaining was intense. Layne Riggs took a high line to quickly move up to second, while Chandler Smith positioned himself well behind race leader Corey Heim.
In the final corners, the battle boiled over. Layne Riggs ran a little too deep in turn three, causing him to go loose and nearly spin. In the chaos, Chandler Smith made contact with Heim, spinning Corey around just before the finish line.
Despite the heartbreak for Heim—who led the most laps of his career and looked poised to finally claim his first win—Chandler Smith seized the opportunity and took the checkered flag, claiming his second victory of the season. His crew chief, John Leonard, had made a bold call to take two tires on a late pit stop, a decision that paid off handsomely.
News in Brief: 2025 Truck Series North Wilkesboro recap
The Window World 250 at North Wilkesboro Speedway delivered exactly what fans hoped for—close racing, strategic intrigue, and dramatic moments right up to the final lap. Chandler Smith’s victory highlighted his skill and his team’s savvy strategy, while Corey Heim’s dominant performance showed he is a serious contender moving forward.
Though Heim fell short this time, his record-setting lap leadership and consistent speed signal that a win is likely just around the corner. Meanwhile, the historic venue lived up to its reputation by hosting a race that will be remembered for its intensity and heart-stopping finish.
As the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series continues its 2025 season, expect these top drivers to battle fiercely as the playoffs approach, with North Wilkesboro once again proving that classic tracks still produce some of the best racing moments in the sport.
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