Corey Heim matched the John Hunter Nemechek Truck Series stage win record during Friday’s Craftsman Truck Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, capturing both Stage 1 and Stage 2 in a commanding performance. The Tricon Garage driver’s sweep boosted his season tally to eight stage victories—the same mark Nemechek achieved in his powerhouse 2021 campaign.
Heim’s Commanding Race Day Performance at Charlotte
The motorsport world watched as Georgia native Corey Heim led 72 of 134 total laps at Charlotte, demonstrating total control from start to finish. By staying out front and never wavering across the final stage, Heim celebrated his third race win of the season, cementing his reputation as a fierce competitor in this year’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
With this win, Heim strengthened his position atop the regular-season points standings, piloting the No. 11 toyota/”>Toyota Tundra for Tricon Garage. He currently boasts more top-five results than any other driver this year and, notably, has left the top-10 only once during the current season. This remarkable consistency continues to set him apart in a highly competitive field.
“I felt like we’ve had the speed the last couple years here, but circumstances haven’t let us get it done,”
—Corey Heim, Driver
“Obviously, it was such a good truck. I had to execute on my part. The pit crew did a great job. Just a really nice, clean day. … It feels great. It feels like we’ve had a lot of opportunities to do that this year, really. Just can’t say enough about these guys. My team gave me a great Tundra, and we just really checked all of the boxes tonight. It feels great,”
—Corey Heim, Driver
Matching a Historic Milestone in Stage Racing
Heim’s achievement at Charlotte wasn’t just another victory—it marked the moment he tied a record many believed would stand for years. By winning both opening stages on Friday, Heim equaled John Hunter Nemechek’s record of eight stage wins in the Truck Series within the first eleven races of a season. Nemechek had set this record with Kyle Busch Motorsports back in 2021, a performance that, until now, was considered a benchmark for dominance in the series.
“By winning Stage 1 at Charlotte, Corey Heim has now won 7 Stages this season.
If he wins Stage 2, he can tie John Hunter Nemechek for the most Truck Series Stage Wins in the first 11 races of a season. pic.twitter.com/TJme6H1UzL”
—Daniel Céspedes
This year, Heim’s run for the record has shown incredible resilience and balance, complementing his stage victories with race wins and near-constant finishes near the front of the field. The comparison to Nemechek’s earlier campaign highlights Heim’s all-around ability as a driver—delivering results when it matters most, while thriving under pressure.
Rapid Ascent from Rising Star to Championship Contender
Since earning his first career victory in 2022 and switching to a full-time seat in 2023, Corey Heim’s progression has been striking. In just a short span, his consistency in stage wins, combined with his capacity to seal the deal in closing laps, has made him one of the most formidable figures on the grid. Entering this season pegged as a championship contender, Heim has lived up to and perhaps even surpassed the high expectations set for him.
The consistency, patience, and teamwork displayed by Heim and the Tricon Garage crew—including flawless execution from the pit crew—are translating into results. The synergy between driver and team has made any race Heim enters a daunting prospect for his rivals. With more stage wins than anyone else and a steady stream of high finishes, Heim’s dominance looks poised to continue as the season heads into its crucial summer stretch.
Chasing the Truck Series Stage Win Record—and the Championship
Looking ahead, the racing community will be watching closely to see whether Corey Heim can move past Nemechek and claim sole possession of the Truck Series stage win record. With the championship battle intensifying, Heim’s historic pace and relentless consistency could make him the clear favorite as the Craftsman Truck Series pushes deeper into the season. The road ahead is set for drama, as Heim’s pursuit of history and a possible title run keeps fans, teams, and competitors on high alert.
