During the Cracker Barrel 400 at Nashville Superspeedway, Corey Heim admitted responsibility and apologized after a dramatic Brad Keselowski Nashville crash with Corey Heim that forced both drivers out of the race. The incident on lap 132 not only ended Heim’s second Cup Series start of the season early but also significantly impacted Keselowski’s hopes at the Nashville event.
Early Promise Ends in Mid-Race Collision
Corey Heim arrived at Nashville with momentum, following a P13 finish in Kansas and earning his second appearance in the 2025 season with 23XI Racing. Starting from a challenging P33, he methodically gained positions on the Nashville Superspeedway, aiming for a top-12 finish and possibly more, showcasing determination and the potential of his No.67 Camry. However, as Heim fought to advance further, a crucial miscalculation unfolded mid-race.
While making an overtaking move around Keselowski on lap 132, Heim believed he could clear Keselowski’s car. The move didn’t play out as he expected, resulting in a heavy collision that eliminated both cars from the event and dashed hopes for significant points. Heim was forthright about his role, noting that his maneuver was overly aggressive given the circumstances.
“I’m pretty sure I just kind of cleared myself across the nose of (Brad Keselowski). A little bit too desperate.”
—Corey Heim, told NBC Sports
The crash proved costly for both drivers. Keselowski lost the opportunity to capitalize at Nashville, while Heim’s race was cut short without points, dampening his momentum from Kansas. The dramatic incident also drew scrutiny and conversation among fellow drivers and race analysts about in-race decision-making and the fine margins shaping NASCAR outcomes.
Heim’s Public Apology and Reflections on the Incident
Immediately after the wreck, Corey Heim stepped forward publicly to accept fault and reiterate his regret over the clash. He candidly spoke about his mindset just before the incident, explaining his confidence in the car and his belief that he could pass Keselowski cleanly. Yet, he acknowledged that he overestimated the available space and acted out of desperation to gain positions.
“We were moving forward really quick and I had a lot of confidence in my Camry and thought I could clear him by the time I got to the wall, and just used too much racetrack, so sorry to those guys. It looks like I kind of ruined his day, too, and never want to do that.”
—Corey Heim
Heim expressed regret for disrupting not just his own race, but also impacting Keselowski and the teams involved. Making such a public apology highlighted Heim’s sportsmanship, as he repeatedly clarified his intentions and emphasized his sorrow for the avoidable result. His approach drew praise for accountability, reflecting on how competitive pressure can lead to costly snap judgments in high-speed, high-stakes situations.
Finding Positives Despite the Setback
Despite the dramatic crash and lost opportunity at Nashville, Corey Heim pointed to positive aspects of his performance and the team’s work throughout the weekend. The part-time 23XI driver made notable gains, climbing more than a dozen spots from his original qualifying position. He credited the pace and competitiveness of the No.67 Toyota Camry while expressing gratitude toward his crew for their support and preparation.
“Just can’t say enough about the speed we had. I think if we didn’t start in 33rd, we could have been battling in the top 10. A lot of positives, just screwed it up on my part. Huge thank you to 23XI, Toyota. Definitely had a lot of fun, and looking forward to doing again.”
—Corey Heim
Heim reflected that starting further up the grid could have put him in position for an even stronger finish, reinforcing his optimism about the car’s pace and his own potential if circumstances align in future outings. Although the outcome fell short, the experience strengthened his resolve to compete and adapt, keeping his focus on continued growth and improvement for the remainder of the season.
Heim’s Future Ambitions and Impact on His NASCAR Path
The events at Nashville underscored both the promise and developmental hurdles facing Corey Heim as he seeks to solidify a long-term role within NASCAR’s premier series. While the crash ended his day prematurely, his handling of the aftermath—openly accepting blame, apologizing to Keselowski, and praising his team’s efforts—reinforced his public image as a maturing competitor. Heim’s perseverance in the face of setbacks signals his ambition to earn more Cup Series starts and eventually pursue a full-time seat with an established organization like 23XI Racing or another top team.
Brad Keselowski’s own title aspirations were affected by the mid-race collision, narrowing his path to strong finishes in the ongoing season. The incident also reignited conversations among NASCAR circles about the razor-thin margins, split-second decision-making, and the weight of accountability after dramatic racing moments. Fans, drivers, and analysts alike will be watching Heim’s response to adversity, and his future on-track choices as his career progresses.
What Lies Ahead for Corey Heim
As NASCAR’s 2025 campaign continues, Corey Heim’s focus will be on reducing avoidable mistakes and capitalizing on the clear speed demonstrated in Nashville. The lessons from the Brad Keselowski Nashville crash with Corey Heim may ultimately shape his reputation—highlighting not just his racing skill, but also his willingness to own errors and learn moving forward. Given the performance of the 23XI crew and his positive outlook, Heim’s next starts will be crucial as he attempts to cement himself as a reliable, mature contender in the Cup Series.
The Nashville race serves as a vivid reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in motorsports, and how accountability, combined with resilience, can define a driver’s trajectory in the eyes of fans and fellow competitors alike.
