Corey Heim, a prominent name in the Corey Heim NASCAR Truck Series, addressed the media following the Love’s RV Stop 225 at Talladega Superspeedway, where his rookie teammate Gio Ruggiero clinched his first career win on Friday. The Tricon Garage duo placed first and second, finishing a dramatic 90-lap contest and boosting their standings in the season points chase.
Strong Qualifying Performance and Race Results for Tricon Garage
During the qualifying session at Talladega, Gio Ruggiero showcased impressive speed in the #17 Toyota, grabbing pole position with a lap time of 54.29 seconds and reaching a top speed of 176.38 mph. Corey Heim, driving the #11 entry for Tricon Garage, started just behind him, qualifying third and clocking in a mere 0.02 seconds off Ruggiero’s pace.
In the opening stage of the race, Ruggiero dropped back but quickly recovered to command the lead by the end of stage two, paving his way to a breakthrough Truck Series victory. Heim, reflecting on the high-stakes finish and his on-track decision-making when interviewed by NASCAR analyst Mat Weaver, remarked:
“I think it did everything, to be honest with you. I would have been more aggressive and probably tried to stick the side draft if it was anyone else but a Toyota teammate. But no, I think they did a really good job, and I also think that the damaged 98 behind us didn’t really do us any favors with not having as much help as we normally get.”
Corey Heim, Tricon Garage Driver
“My priority was kind of getting both clear and then making the move, but by the time we both got clear I didn’t really have enough of a surge to make a serious run at it. So I peeked out and kind of got to his bumper. He defended well, so he did a great job,” he concluded.
Corey Heim, Tricon Garage Driver
The result saw Tricon Garage’s drivers sweep the top two spots—an important result as both Heim and Ruggiero accumulate points in the Truck Series championship. As a result of his previous victory at the Charlotte Road Course, Heim also secured a guaranteed spot in the Championship Four race.
Addressing Future Plans and Manufacturer Loyalty Amid Rumors
Corey Heim, whose accomplishments this season have drawn attention across the paddock, was recently the subject of speculation regarding a possible switch in manufacturers as RAM plans to join the NASCAR Truck Series next season. In a September interview circulating on social media, sports commentator Pat McAfee discussed Heim’s future, questioning whether the talented driver would consider a move away from Toyota.
Since debuting in the series with Kyle Busch Motorsports in 2021 and moving to a full-time ride with Tricon Garage in 2023, Heim has remained committed to Toyota. Throughout his tenure, he has amassed 19 wins, 43 top-five finishes, and 56 top-10s—statistics that reinforce his reputation at Tricon Garage and in the broader NASCAR Truck Series. Addressing the speculation directly, Heim took to social media to reaffirm his dedication:
“More of a @Toyota Tundra guy, but appreciate the love @PatMcAfeeShow”
Corey Heim, Tricon Garage Driver
These clarifications from Heim put an end to swirling rumors about a potential shift to RAM, as he reiterated his preference for the manufacturer that has played such a significant role in his racing career to date.
Heim’s Standout Season Keeps Him Ahead in Points
With the season advancing and competition intensifying, Corey Heim maintains a commanding lead in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series standings, currently holding 3,167 points. His results this year include ten victories, 19 top-ten finishes, 17 top-fives, and seven pole positions across 23 starts—a testament to his skill and consistency on the track.
Notably, Heim’s recent performances, including his solid finishes at Talladega and the Charlotte Road Course, reinforce his place as one of the top drivers to watch and a clear Championship Four contender. The duo of Heim and teammate Gio Ruggiero ensures Tricon Garage remains a focal point in the ongoing championship battle alongside drivers such as Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Ryan Blaney.
With eyes set on upcoming events and the looming championship decider, the focus for Corey Heim and Tricon Garage will be on carrying their momentum forward, leveraging teamwork, and navigating manufacturer rivalries, as the Corey Heim NASCAR Truck Series storyline continues to unfold this season.
Corey Heim on Gio Ruggiero's development and what his teammate did right to beat him today at Talladega pic.twitter.com/5Qypq0IvM0
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) October 17, 2025
