Dale Earnhardt Jr. is seriously weighing the idea of debuting in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, which would mark a new chapter for the renowned stock car racer. At the same time, Corey Heim is reinforcing his status as the Corey Heim NASCAR Truck Series favorite with a dominant postseason performance and leading championship odds.
Earnhardt Considers First-Ever Truck Series Start
After a standout career in both the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series, Dale Earnhardt Jr. is reflecting on the prospect of racing in a Truck Series event for the first time. Despite collecting 26 Cup victories in 631 starts and 24 wins in 147 Xfinity appearances, Earnhardt, who is now 50, has never participated in a Truck race. The main uncertainty for the co-owner of JR Motorsports is venue selection, with Earnhardt quoted as being unsure about which track would provide the most enjoyment.
He openly acknowledged the possibility of looking back with some regret if he never fulfills this ambition:
“probably regret not running one or two.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Currently, JR Motorsports continues to excel under the guidance of racers like Connor Zilisch and current Xfinity Series champion Justin Allgaier, remaining a top contender for the series title. Earnhardt maintains his commitment to run an annual Xfinity Series race, exemplified by his recent seventh-place finish in the 2024 Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway, a result shaped by intense communication challenges during the event. Timing remains another open question, with Earnhardt even joking about delaying his Truck debut for years:
“58 years old at Wilkesboro. Don’t hold me to it.”
—Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Corey Heim Controls the Current Picture
While Earnhardt deliberates, Corey Heim commands the present landscape of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Heim has achieved eight victories across 19 starts, ensuring his spot in the Round of 8 just one race into the postseason. At betting odds of -150 according to BetOnline Sportsbook, he stands as the leading candidate to claim the championship title.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. will be making his return to @DAYTONA as a driver!!!@DaleJr is set to run the 2026 season opener in the @MazdaMX5Cup pic.twitter.com/wi0hlmTo8a — The Daily Downfords (@DailyDownfords) August 17, 2025
Championship Odds Highlight Heim as Favorite
Updated odds from BetOnline Sportsbook demonstrate just how strong Corey Heim’s position is entering the rest of the season. With the postseason unfolding, Heim’s statistical edge sets the tone for competitors aiming to break his momentum in the driver standings.
Throughout the NASCAR universe, major names like Justin Allgaier, Connor Zilisch, and organizations like JR Motorsports maintain their influence. Venues, such as Wilkesboro and Bristol Motor Speedway, remain central stages for these drivers’ ambitions, whether Earnhardt pursues a Truck Series debut or Heim continues his quest for the championship.
As the championship race continues, all eyes remain on whether Dale Earnhardt Jr. acts on his interest and how Corey Heim manages the pressure as the series’ heavy favorite. The next decisions and results could reshape what’s expected in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series moving forward.
