As the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series approaches its season finale, Corey Heim stands as the clear favorite, holding the title of Corey Heim NASCAR Truck Series leader thanks to an impressive record. However, three talented challengers may stand in his way as the race for the championship intensifies.
Corey Heim currently leads the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series in dominant fashion. With seven race wins and 15 stage wins across 18 starts, Heim has collected a remarkable 65 playoff points. His ability to finish in the top five 12 times and in the top ten 14 times highlights his consistent speed and racecraft. Heim’s strong track record establishes him as the person to beat when it comes to claiming the championship next season.
Still, as the title race heats up, three main contenders have proven their potential to dethrone the incumbent leader and emerge victorious.
Chandler Smith: The Consistent Challenger
Chandler Smith holds third place in the current standings and steers the No. 38 truck for Front Row Motorsports. Boasting two race wins, including triumphs at North Wilkesboro and Bristol, Smith has not only shown versatility but also raw speed across a variety of tracks. Thirteen top-ten finishes demonstrate his dependability throughout the season, marking him as a formidable threat in the coming playoffs.
Smith’s consistent form and adaptability will likely keep him at the heart of the championship battle as the season concludes. His resilient performances ensure he remains an outstanding candidate among those fighting for the crown.
Layne Riggs: The Persistent Contender
Currently occupying the second spot in the standings, Layne Riggs pilots the No. 34 truck for Front Row Motorsports. Having secured two victories this season alongside multiple top-five and top-ten finishes, Riggs is on the heels of championship leader Corey Heim in the points. His ability to perform under pressure and deliver regular results across 18 races highlights both his determination and capability to compete at the top.
With the championship still within reach, Riggs’s relentless pursuit and steady accumulation of points make him a top rival who could challenge Heim’s long-standing dominance. His speed and tenacity have proven invaluable in positioning him as a real candidate for the title.
Daniel Hemric: The Experienced Threat
Daniel Hemric, currently ranked fourth in the 2025 standings, drives the No. 19 truck for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing. Hemric’s season features a victory and eight top-five finishes, alongside thirteen top-ten results – a testament to his reliability and competitiveness. His extensive experience in high-stakes racing equips him well for the upcoming championship showdown.
Although Hemric has only one win this year, his steady results have kept him close to the points leaders and within striking distance should the battle for the championship intensify further. His proven track record of bringing his truck home near the front offers him a genuine chance to disrupt Corey Heim’s reign.
The 2025 NASCAR Truck Series championship promises an exciting finish as these three determined challengers – Chandler Smith, Layne Riggs, and Daniel Hemric – prepare to challenge Corey Heim’s status as the series leader. Each brings their own strengths, experience, and passion to the track, and their pursuit of the title makes this season’s conclusion highly anticipated among fans and competitors alike.
