The 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series regular season finale at Richmond Raceway delivered more than another name on the winner’s list. It revealed the layered factors that allowed Corey Heim to secure his seventh victory of the season in the eero 250. From detailed preparation to mental resilience, the 23-year-old Georgia driver proved why he is the series’ leading force, controlling the chaos of short-track racing and solidifying his claim as the regular-season champion.
Key Highlights
Heim won from pole, his fifth pole of the season, leading 75 laps.
Strategic teamwork between TRICON Garage and 23XI Racing shaped his preparation.
Ty Majeski led a race-high 143 laps but fell short after late contact.
Heim made a decisive outside-line pass with 21 laps remaining.
The victory cemented Heim’s seventh win and built momentum for the playoffs.
Preparation and Pole Position
Corey Heim admitted Richmond had not been his strongest track in the past, yet his team approached the finale with relentless preparation. Combining resources from TRICON Garage and support from 23XI Racing’s Cup Series operations, every setup detail was carefully refined. That effort showed in qualifying when Heim captured his fifth pole of 2025 with a lap of 23.095 seconds at 116.908 mph.
“With all the Cup side preparation of 23XI and those guys, and Blake and Trevor and my daily prep on the Truck side as well… just put a lot of work into this place.” – Corey Heim
Starting from the front meant Heim controlled the pace and protected tire wear, a vital advantage on Richmond’s worn surface. By staying consistently near the front, he avoided much of the frantic mid-pack battles that defined the night for others.
Tactical Execution Under Pressure
Ty Majeski swept the opening two stages and looked poised for his first win of the season after leading 143 laps, more than he had managed all year. But late contact with teammate Matt Crafton changed the outlook, forcing Majeski to recover while Heim capitalized.
Heim’s ability to stay patient paid off. Rather than overextending early, he managed pace and positioned himself to strike when opportunity arose. With 21 laps to go, he pulled off a daring outside pass to retake the lead, a move that showed both confidence and precision. He never relinquished control, holding Majeski off by 0.923 seconds at the checkered flag.
Consistency and Championship Form
The victory at Richmond carried more weight than another number in the win column. It was the seventh win of Heim’s 2025 campaign, reinforcing the consistency that has defined his season. With 14 top-10 finishes, 12 top-fives, and over 1,000 laps led entering the playoffs, Heim’s form mirrors championship-caliber dominance.
Heim also became the youngest driver in Truck Series history to reach 18 career wins, breaking a record previously held by Kyle Busch. His ability to perform across different track types—short tracks, intermediates, and superspeedways—has made him the standard for the field to measure against.
Meanwhile, playoff spots hung in the balance for others. Jake Garcia clinched the final berth after holding off Ben Rhodes and rookie Gio Ruggiero, who mounted an impressive charge from the back of the field. Riggs, Sammy Smith, and Corey LaJoie completed the top five behind Heim and Majeski, showing the depth of competition that filled Richmond’s finale with tension.
News in Brief: Why Corey Heim Won 2025 Richmond Truck Race
Corey Heim won the eero 250 at Richmond Raceway, claiming his seventh victory of the season and cementing his place as the regular-season champion. Starting from pole, Heim led 75 laps and capitalized late after Ty Majeski, who led 143 laps, was slowed by contact with Matt Crafton. Heim’s decisive pass with 21 laps remaining secured the win by 0.923 seconds. Riggs, Smith, and LaJoie rounded out the top five, while Garcia locked into the playoffs over Rhodes and Ruggiero.
ALSO READ: Richmond’s eero 250: Who Will Clinch the Final Playoff Spot in the Truck Series?
