Corey Heim achieved a milestone by setting a new record for most wins in a single NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season, securing victory at Charlotte Motor Speedway on Friday. The Corey Heim record-setting NASCAR win unfolded after a dramatic and emotionally charged final, highlighting the ever-unpredictable nature of motorsports.
Dramatic Events Shape the Charlotte Roval Ecosave 250
Brent Crews, racing part-time for Tricon Garage in the #1 Toyota Tundra, began the Ecosave 250 at the Charlotte Roval starting from the third position. The opening lap saw a chaotic multi-car accident involving Layne Riggs, Grant Enfinger, and pole sitter Corey Heim, which allowed Crews to take the early lead. Over the race distance, Crews demonstrated resolve by maintaining first position for 56 out of 70 laps, a testament to the speed and preparation of his car and team.
The tide turned in the closing stages of the event. With just three laps to go, Toni Breidinger, a teammate at Tricon Garage, came to a halt on the track, necessitating a late caution. This development forced Crews to relinquish his spot at the front, pitting from the lead and rejoining the competition in seventh. Heim capitalized on this moment, overtaking his rivals and ultimately securing his 10th victory of the season. This triumph enabled Heim to surpass Greg Biffle’s record for most wins in a Truck Series season, further solidifying his standing among top NASCAR drivers.
For Crews, the race brought a mixture of pride and frustration. Having dominated for a majority of the laps, missing out on the top spot was difficult. As he reflected on his emotional response after the finish, he shared his thoughts, saying,
“Racing is a cruel and amazing sport.”
– Brent Crews, Racecar Driver
He continued,
“Continuing to learn. Just hate it for my team that we weren’t able to go to victory lane today. We had the winning car for sure there… just sucks we’re in second. But happy to be here,”
he added. – Brent Crews, Racecar Driver
Crews, Heim, and Ruggiero Deliver 1-2-3 for Toyota-Affiliated Team
After a challenging conclusion, Brent Crews finished in second, with Corey Heim taking first and Gio Ruggiero coming home third. This strong showing by the Toyota-associated Tricon Garage produced a remarkable 1-2-3 result. Rajah Caruth finished in fourth, while Connor Zilisch, another rising talent making headlines in the Xfinity Series, rounded out the top five.
While Crews is yet to officially announce his full-time plans for next season, industry speculation points to a likely move to Joe Gibbs Racing in the Xfinity Series. He has already gained attention racing for JGR in the ARCA Menards Series, further bolstering his credentials as a promising young driver in the NASCAR ecosystem.
Brent Crews Reflects on Starting His Own NASCAR Team
Earlier this year, Brent Crews embarked on a new chapter by creating his own race team, Brent Crews Motorsports, debuting at Watkins Glen Raceway. Despite his age, Crews found encouragement from those around him. Rather than facing dismissal, his idea was met with support, enabling him to fund the team by selling his micro sprint cars.
Crews, a native of Davidson, North Carolina, recalled,
“I grew up going to dinner on race weekends with guys like Nick Tucker and Brian Keselowski, listening to stories about building race cars and engines out of spare parts and barely getting to the track.”
– Brent Crews, Racecar Driver
He further explained,
“Even though everyone would tell them they were crazy, it always sounded like so much fun to me. When we started talking about me buying a truck to run Watkins Glen, no one was willing to tell me it was a bad idea, and it just kind of snowballed from there. I sold all my micro sprints to raise some of the money, and here we are,”
he added. – Brent Crews, Racecar Driver
The debut of Brent Crews Motorsports at Watkins Glen resulted in a 17th-place finish for the #70 Toyota. At the same event, Corey Heim claimed victory, finishing ahead of Daniel Hemric and Rio Ruggiero. Christopher Bell, a full-time NASCAR Cup Series competitor, also participated and crossed the line in fourth, adding depth to an already competitive field of drivers.
Impact of Heim’s Achievement and What Lies Ahead
Corey Heim’s latest win not only sets a new benchmark for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series but also signals the emergence of a new generation of accomplished drivers like Brent Crews, Connor Zilisch, and Gio Ruggiero. These competitors are reshaping the landscape of the sport, drawing industry observers and fans alike to witness their ongoing progress.
As the season continues, speculation swirls around the future paths of racers like Crews, who may soon join notable organizations such as Joe Gibbs Racing. Meanwhile, Heim’s consistent performance and record-breaking streak qualify him as a central figure to watch in upcoming races, ensuring that the competition at venues like Charlotte Motor Speedway, and elsewhere, remains as passionate and unpredictable as ever.
“Racing is a cruel sport” says runner-up @BrentCrews11 after leading a race-high 56 laps. #NASCAR pic.twitter.com/EvGO29zZh9
— Peter Stratta (@peterstratta) October 3, 2025
