The Craftsman Truck Series playoffs began under the lights at Darlington Raceway with intensity from the drop of the green flag. Layne Riggs, who started on pole, and Chandler Smith led the field into Turn 1, but the “Track Too Tough to Tame” immediately lived up to its reputation. Smith’s early run into the wall set the tone for a night filled with tire issues, strategy calls, and fierce battles for the lead. In the end, Corey Heim outlasted the competition to claim his eighth victory of the 2025 season and keep his march toward history alive.
Key Highlights
Chandler Smith’s strong start ended with wall contact and a cut tire.
Multiple playoff drivers, including Kaden Honeycutt, battled tire troubles early.
Layne Riggs captured his seventh stage win of 2025.
Pit road strategy shuffled the front-runners entering the final stage.
Corey Heim sealed his eighth win of the season, continuing his record-setting pace.
Early Drama as Smith’s Playoff Hopes Take a Hit
The opening laps brought immediate drama when Chandler Smith, who led the first 10 circuits, hit the wall hard enough to cut a right-front tire. Despite his best efforts to limp to pit road, the damage proved significant. His misfortune handed the early advantage to Riggs and Heim, while other playoff contenders like Kaden Honeycutt also reported flats that required unscheduled pit stops.
Veteran Daniel Hemric reminded his team over the radio that survival was just as important as speed at Darlington, pointing out how quickly playoff hopes could unravel on the abrasive South Carolina track. His steady approach contrasted the chaos that unfolded around him in the first stage.
Heim Extends Stage-Win Streak, Riggs Responds in Stage Two
Corey Heim has been the benchmark of consistency all season, and Darlington was no exception. By passing Riggs in traffic, Heim took control of the first stage and earned his 16th stage win of the year, keeping his streak of leading laps in every 2025 race intact.
But Riggs responded with determination. Using the high line to his advantage, he stayed aggressive through Stage 2 and finally captured the green-and-white checkered flag. It marked his seventh stage win of the year and signaled that the No. 34 team was ready to challenge Heim deep into the race.
Pit Road Shuffles the Deck
The stage break pit stops proved decisive. Grant Enfinger’s crew executed a flawless service, gaining positions, while Riggs lost ground due to a slow right-rear tire change. Corey Heim also improved track position, setting up a tense 57-lap sprint to the finish.
Riggs refused to back down, clawing his way back to the front and briefly reclaiming the lead from Heim. But his aggressive pace raised concerns. Analysts noted how his truck slipped and pushed through corners, raising the possibility that his tire wear would once again become his undoing.
Final Stage Sees Heim Take Control
The race’s lone caution for incident came with 20 laps to go when Kaden Honeycutt spun after contact exiting Turn 4. The timing worked in Riggs’ favor, as he had just begun slowing with a suspected tire problem.
On the ensuing restart, Heim powered past both Riggs and Enfinger, seizing control when it mattered most. From there, the No. 11 Toyota methodically pulled away. With clean air and steady pace, Heim showcased why his team has been nearly unstoppable all season.
Crossing the line, Heim earned his eighth win of 2025. He now sits just one victory shy of tying Greg Biffle’s 1999 record of nine wins in a Truck Series season.
News in Brief: 2025 Darlington Truck Race Highlights
Corey Heim’s dominance continued at Darlington as he captured the opening playoff race and notched his eighth victory of 2025. The win also extended his streak of leading laps in every race this season. Layne Riggs added another stage win but struggled with tire wear and pit road setbacks. Grant Enfinger’s consistent performance kept him in the mix, while Chandler Smith’s early crash dealt a serious blow to his playoff momentum. As the series heads deeper into the postseason, Heim remains the driver to beat in the chase for the championship.
ALS READ: Corey Heim Dominates Darlington, Cements NASCAR Truck Series Favorite Status
