Corey Heim impresses as last-minute ARCA truck racing replacement, finishing in second place at Michigan despite being unfamiliar with the series and stepping in for Jake Finch at short notice. Heim’s outstanding debut vied directly with victor Brendan Queen, garnering both praise and attention from the NASCAR community.
Corey Heim Steps in for Jake Finch and Tackles a New Challenge
Jake Finch was ruled out of the Michigan truck race due to a viral infection, prompting his team to call on Corey Heim only days before the event. With no previous ARCA truck series starts, and given that the ARCA vehicle requires a different driving approach, many fans questioned the decision. Online discussions included speculation about other possible replacements, revealing the community’s uncertainty about bringing Heim on board so late.
Despite this skepticism, Heim took to the track and challenged race leader Brendan Queen right up to the finish. Heim’s adaptability defied expectations, showing his quick learning curve and resilience as the race unfolded.
Mixed Fan Reactions Shift Following Heim’s Performance
The announcement that Heim would replace Finch stirred debate among racing fans, with one Reddit user questioning,
“wonder why they chose him instead of breidinger or reimer.”
As the event progressed, however, Heim’s strong showing and his steady chase of Queen changed many minds. Home viewers and trackside fans alike expressed newfound appreciation for Heim’s approach and skill under pressure.
Although Brendan Queen maintained control throughout much of the contest, Heim’s ability to keep up, using his tactics and car placement, impressed longtime followers of the sport. This result was particularly notable considering the community’s initial concerns, especially with Michigan’s unpredictable race conditions looming over the event.
Corey Heim Analyzes His Debut and Credits His Team
Heim admitted to feeling the challenge of stepping into a different machine after a significant absence from ARCA competition, but was open about both his nerves and excitement about the new experience.
“Yeah, it is different, I mean this ARCA race as we saw pretty stretched out and single file, but practice was crazy man! We were bumper to bumper, pushing each other down straightaways. Obviously, dirty airs are pretty big in corners, but it doesn’t matter how, I mean unless you like just about spin out. You can pretty much catch up to them by the end of next straight away so the runs are going to be huge! It’s gonna really entertaining. Nothing like the ARCA race by any means, but I am eager to find out for sure,”
—Corey Heim, Driver
Heim also acknowledged his crew chief, Shannon Rursch, for making necessary balance changes during the concluding laps, which contributed to his late surge. He credited these adjustments as crucial to his performance in the final stages.
Fans and Industry Voices Praise Heim’s Adaptation
Social media lit up after the race, with fans expressing surprise and admiration for Heim’s rapid adaptation. One Twitter user highlighted just how close Heim was to clinching the win:
“He was all over him! If there were one more lap, he would have had him.”
—User, Racing Fan
This reaction echoed the general sentiment that, despite not competing in an ARCA series event for the past five years, Heim’s raw speed and composure under pressure exceeded expectations. Broadcaster Bob Pockrass commented on what to expect from Heim in the coming races, noting the return of truck competition to Michigan for the first time since 2020.
What Comes Next for Corey Heim and the ARCA Truck Series
Heim’s strong finish as a last-minute substitute has re-energized both his supporters and the larger ARCA fanbase, leading to excitement about future rivalries. Many look forward to potentially seeing Brendan Queen continue in the series. However, with weather delays now affecting the Michigan event schedule, anticipation builds for the next opportunity for drivers like Heim to make their mark.
Corey Heim’s success as a fill-in driver may influence team decisions for future sudden absences and reinforce the value of talent able to adapt quickly under pressure, especially in unpredictable environments like Michigan’s renowned racing circuit.
