Ty Majeski Richmond Raceway domination came to an abrupt end on Friday night at Richmond Raceway, where a late-race spin derailed what looked like a sure victory for the defending winner, costing him both the race and crucial playoff points in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series regular season finale. Despite leading a commanding 143 out of 250 laps, Majeski’s hopes were dashed when a chain reaction late in the race dropped him out of contention and allowed Corey Heim to seize the victory.
Majeski in Elite Company at Richmond
Richmond Raceway has long generated comparisons to classic sports venues, with names like Michael Jordan at Madison Square Garden, Babe Ruth at Yankee Stadium, Rafael Nadal at Roland Garros, and Kobe Bryant at the Staples Center setting the standard for domination. In the Craftsman Truck Series, Ty Majeski was beginning to carve out a similar legacy at Richmond, thanks to a string of stellar performances and a 2024 win at the three-quarter-mile track. His skillset seemed tailored to the unique demands of this circuit, where few could match his consistency and pace.
On Friday, Majeski wasted no time establishing his authority. The ThorSport Racing driver swept both stages, led a staggering 143 laps, and appeared unstoppable, reminiscent of an animated racing star outclassing the field. By the end of the first stage, a mere 11 trucks remained on the lead lap, underlining just how dominant Majeski was throughout the event.
A Sudden Turn of Events in a Dominant Run
The momentum shifted dramatically when green-flag pit stops began with about 50 laps to go. As Majeski stayed out hoping to solidify his track position, his teammate Matt Crafton, driving for ThorSport Racing, slid into him while negotiating turn 3. Both trucks were sent spinning, a major reversal for drivers from an organization hungry for its first win of the season. Crafton later stated that oil spilled from Frankie Muniz’s No. 33 truck — the result of a blown engine — was responsible for the loss of control, but he offered no further comments after the race.
Majeski’s truck, though relatively undamaged from the spin and able to pit for fresh tires while remaining on the lead lap, could not recover the pace or position he’d held for most of the night. Corey Heim, who had managed to take the lead on restarts during brief spells earlier in the race, capitalized after the incident, seizing the advantage and never looking back as the laps wound down.
I knew right when I fired off (on the last restart), I thought ‘Man, this thing is a lot tighter than what I had all night long,’
—Ty Majeski, driver
Majeski reflected that despite a night of sound execution, it simply was not his night, pointing out that restarts remained his weakness, while his long-run pace had been sufficient to challenge Heim each stint. Even so, he expressed disappointment at missing out on another Richmond win for ThorSport but acknowledged the positives in a tough setback.
History of Near-Misses at Richmond
This late disappointment is unfortunately not new for Majeski. In 2022, he led 73 laps at Richmond but finished third; in 2023, he led 168 laps but came up one position short. Across the past four Truck Series events at the track since 2022, he’s amassed 454 laps led, yet only the 2024 victory stands as a testament to his Richmond mastery. This latest event echoed those earlier heartbreaks, reinforcing the complicated relationship between Majeski and success on this tricky short track.
The result was especially tough for ThorSport Racing, a championship-caliber outfit still searching for a 2025 season win. As the reigning series champion, Majeski remains the team’s best hope, his skill on full display even on nights when fortune fails to align.
Looking Ahead: Playoff Pressure Builds
On the bright side, Majeski had already locked up his spot among the 10 drivers vying for the championship, though the lost playoff points could prove crucial as the postseason unfolds. He will enter the playoffs seeded sixth, holding a modest margin of seven points above the cut line as the competition intensifies.
Corey Heim, now a seven-time Truck Series race winner in 2025, notched another triumph to solidify his postseason credentials. Meanwhile, the rest of the grid, including veterans like Matt Crafton and young names like Frankie Muniz, continue to chase momentum as NASCAR’s fiercest weeks begin.
As Majeski and ThorSport Racing prepare for the playoffs, Richmond Raceway remains a symbol of their potential as well as their frustration. The driver’s complex relationship with the Virginia short track persists, marked by brilliance, missed opportunities, and the relentless pursuit of another breakthrough moment.
