Corey Heim Truck Series dominance has dramatically transformed the landscape of the 2025 NASCAR Truck Series playoffs, leaving competitors scrambling for answers after his record-tying ninth win at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Just as the playoff field narrows for the semifinals, Heim’s performance has sent shockwaves through the paddock, giving him a significant advantage heading into the final rounds.
Corey Heim Sets the Pace With Historic Ninth Victory
In an exceptionally competitive year for NASCAR, the 2025 season stands apart as a showcase for two ascendant young talents: Connor Zilisch in the Xfinity Series and Corey Heim in the Truck Series. Zilisch has already amassed nine wins from 26 Xfinity starts and claimed the regular-season championship, but the latest spotlight shifts to Heim, who has matched that nine-win milestone—but in just 21 races—putting him in rare company alongside Greg Biffle, whose single-season record dates back to 1999.
Heim’s most recent triumph came at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, where his command of the field not only placed him at the top of the playoff standings with a dominant 69-point lead, but also secured his advance to the semifinals. This rise has forced every other contender to reevaluate their approach, as Heim’s presence looms large over the remainder of the postseason. As the checkered flag waved at New Hampshire, the axis of the championship shifted, and the competition faces a new reality: outperforming Heim is essential for their survival.
Playoff Standings Reshuffled by Heim’s Command at New Hampshire
The pivotal Team EJP 175 at New Hampshire was defined by Corey Heim’s ability to withstand late-race pressure from Chandler Smith. Heim crossed the finish line a mere 0.823 seconds ahead, but the ripple effects of this victory stretched throughout the standings. Heim’s automatic qualification for the next round meant those counting on advancing by points saw the cutline squeeze ever tighter, intensifying the drama for drivers on the bubble.
Layne Riggs, having banked a win earlier, stayed above the elimination risk, but drivers like Kaden Honeycutt and Rajah Caruth barely eked out advancement. Teams now face a demanding transition as they prepare for a challenging road course, aware that Heim’s dominance has shifted the calculus for playoff survival. Greg Biffle offered a celebration of the milestone, stating,
“Welcome to the 9-win club @CoreyHeim_ cheers!”
—Greg Biffle, Former Truck Series Champion.
Heim’s ninth victory effectively compressed playoff hopefuls below him, making every point vital as the rounds progress. The sense of urgency is unmistakable, and the dynamic at the top is now centered on one formidable contender.
Which Drivers Progress and Who Faces Elimination Following New Hampshire?
After the high stakes at New Hampshire, the semifinal playoff round—Truck Series’ Round of 8—features both championship veterans and rising talents. Corey Heim and Layne Riggs, whose recent performances have drawn attention, lead the pack. Daniel Hemric and Ty Majeski advanced thanks to methodical point accumulation, particularly during crucial stages throughout the Round of 10.
Joining them are Tyler Ankrum, Grant Enfinger, Rajah Caruth, and Kaden Honeycutt, each guarding slender margins and navigating the turbulence of New Hampshire to keep title hopes alive. However, notable names have fallen short. Chandler Smith finished a close second in the race but failed to surpass Heim at the critical moment. Reflecting on his season’s abrupt end, Smith said,
“Just a lot of bad luck, but honestly, I’m a faithful guy and been doing a lot of praying about it, and my prayers been specific for the Lord’s will, and obviously it wasn’t in his will for us to advance to the next round, obviously.”
—Chandler Smith, NASCAR Truck Series Driver. Smith’s words reflect the heartbreak and unpredictability of playoff elimination.
Jake Garcia similarly exits after a 16th-place finish, capping a season of promising flashes that ultimately ended shy of expectations. These outcomes emphasize the unforgiving nature of this playoff structure: momentum and consistency matter, but one misstep can immediately end a campaign, regardless of prior success.
The Title Race: Who Holds the Advantage and Who Needs a Rebound?
With the field narrowed, Corey Heim is firmly in control entering the semifinals, and his significant points advantage means he can strategically approach high-risk races, such as the upcoming Charlotte Roval, without the desperation that plagues those behind him. Layne Riggs follows as a top rival, buoyed by his recent victory at Bristol that adds confidence to his playoff run.
Daniel Hemric carries valuable experience from competing at NASCAR’s higher levels, a background that could provide an edge under playoff pressure. Ty Majeski also displays resilience, having accumulated vital stage points to remain in contention as the series heads for its three-race sprint toward the championship at Phoenix.
Conversely, the drivers at the bottom of the advancing group face uphill battles. Tyler Ankrum and Grant Enfinger sit below the early cutline and will need breakthrough results to remain in contention, while Rajah Caruth and Kaden Honeycutt find themselves with negative points, raising the stakes for perfection over the coming races. Any misfortune could prove fatal to their title ambitions—an uncertainty Chandler Smith aptly summed up with,
“Just a lot of bad luck,”
—Chandler Smith, NASCAR Truck Series Driver—expressing the thin margins separating triumph and elimination.
For all playoff hopefuls, the closing weeks of the season demand adaptability, resilience, and strategic acumen as they pursue glory—or seek redemption after defeat.
Paths Forward: Are Eliminated Drivers Set for a Comeback?
Even as the championship hunt excludes Chandler Smith and Jake Garcia, their stories are far from over. At only 23, Smith’s relentless speed leaves little doubt he’ll remain a fixture in NASCAR discussions. He is a prime candidate for a full-time Xfinity Series opportunity, and his consistent front-running performances suggest that a late-season surge, even outside of the playoffs, could springboard him toward new opportunities in 2026.
Jake Garcia likewise looks poised to benefit from his current experiences—though his 2025 campaign ended sooner than hoped, his ability to learn and adapt during partial seasons could make him an attractive prospect for teams seeking stability and steady growth. Both Smith and Garcia are clear reminders of the Truck Series’ reputation as a launchpad for future stars. Their commitment to development and perseverance can shape not only their own careers but also the championship hopes of others—Smith, for example, remains affiliated with Front Row Motorsports, and his feedback may assist the still-advancing Layne Riggs.
Outside the championship picture, eliminated drivers frequently aid their organizations through technical feedback, race strategy testing, or by sharing their experiences to strengthen the efforts of remaining title contenders. Their ongoing influence in the garage can tip the balance for teams still in the chase, underscoring that elimination from contention does not conclude their competitive relevance.
Looking Ahead: Can Heim Sustain His Momentum?
With his current form, Corey Heim stands as the benchmark every Truck Series driver must chase—or surpass—in pursuit of NASCAR’s most prized trophy. His march toward the title has redefined expectations for what is required to secure a championship under the playoff system. Yet, as any veteran will admit, the path grows more treacherous with each passing round, and the pressure will only intensify as the field heads to new venues and faces rising uncertainty.
The coming weeks promise not only high drama but also revealing moments of character, skill, and resolve. Corey Heim Truck Series dominance has changed the fabric of the 2025 postseason, compelling every remaining competitor to elevate their game. The road to Phoenix is now one of grit, calculated risk, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in a season that may be remembered for its extraordinary blend of talent, intensity, and unpredictability.
Welcome to the 9-win club @CoreyHeim_ cheers ! pic.twitter.com/gdIRLaAKu7
— Greg Biffle (@gbiffle) September 20, 2025
