NASCAR Drivers News

Corey Heim Wins Thrilling 2025 NASCAR Truck Championship

By Simran Kaur
Corey Heim NASCAR championship 2025
Corey Heim celebrates victory with a thrilling burnout at the NASCAR Truck Championship. [Image Source: THEPODIUMFINISH]

Corey Heim secured the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship on Friday night at Phoenix Raceway, entering NASCAR history after an action-filled showdown that featured late-race restarts and unforgettable competition. In a race where tire strategies, fierce rivalries, and key moments defined the season’s conclusion, the focus keyword Corey Heim NASCAR championship 2025 was earned through dogged determination and raw skill during overtime laps in the Arizona desert.

High Stakes From the Opening Lap

The night began with the Championship 4 title contenders lining up with intense anticipation during Friday’s qualifying session, eager for the green flag. As the race started, Chandler Smith took an early lead exiting Turn 2, but action was immediate when Daniel Hemric made contact with Dawson Sutton, causing the first caution period. Rules violations soon impacted several drivers, with Honeycutt penalized for a restart infraction before quickly recovering positions.

The event’s competitive rhythm was set early. By Lap 22, Corey Heim surged past Smith and, in making that decisive move, became the first driver in NASCAR National Series history to have led laps in every race during a season. As the laps ticked off, Heim built a steady advantage over Brent Crews, highlighting his championship pedigree.

Corey Heim
Image of: Corey Heim

Heim’s Dominance Throughout the Race

Heim’s pace did not waver as the stages unfolded. After capturing Stage 1, he had tied a new milestone with his 22nd stage win of the season. In the second segment, a battle emerged between Heim and Ty Majeski, reflecting the razor-thin margins that defined the final laps. Despite spinning his tires on pit road—a costly mistake that lost him track position—Heim continued to keep the lead group in his sights.

As the action built, a multiple-truck crash involving Giovanni Ruggiero, Andres Perez De Lara, and Ben Rhodes brought out a red flag, pausing the field just as strategies were reaching a critical point. Layne Riggs, though forced to start at the back after a penalty, clawed his way forward, even briefly taking the lead on fresher rubber as the intensity only escalated with every lap.

Pivotal Moments Decide the Championship

With the championship on the line, a dramatic twist unfolded with just two laps to go. Connor Mosack encountered trouble with the right-front fender, sending his No. 81 Chevrolet into the outside wall and bringing out the sixth caution of the evening. At that critical juncture, Heim’s No. 11 Toyota was running second and appeared set for the crown, leading Ty Majeski by nearly two seconds. Entering the pit stops for overtime strategy, Heim’s crew reversed earlier trends and opted for four new tires, while most top competitors chose only two, dropping Heim to 10th for the restart.

The next restart captured the race’s chaos and skill, as Heim cut low into the first turn, finding a path through a moment famously dubbed “seven-wide at Phoenix.” In one swift move, he emerged back in second behind Majeski. The drama only thickened when Tyler Ankrum was collected in a tangle going four-wide into Turn 3, enforcing a second overtime and whittling the competitive front further.

Heim’s Heroic Overtime Performance

On the second overtime restart, Heim launched a spectacular attack, wrestling the lead from Majeski and refusing to look back as he took the checkered flag—his twelfth win in a 25-race season. As he celebrated, Heim’s determination was evident.

“I don’t care if I was on 100 lap tires, nobody was going to beat me,”

Heim said, championship hat perched atop his head.—Corey Heim, driver. He continued to describe the unrelenting mindset that delivered his series triumph.

The finishing moments highlighted his championship determination, capturing the energy, authority, and electrifying performance that left fans and competitors alike in awe. Television replays and social media reactions reinforced the spectacle, with commentators marveling at Heim’s resilience and decisive moves in the face of tremendous pressure.

“Watch Corey Heim put on his cape,”

a Fox Sports announcer declared during the replay.—Announcer, Fox Sports.

Records and Milestones for the 2025 Season

Heim’s 2025 campaign was nothing short of historic. Beyond claiming the championship, he set NASCAR National Series records by leading at least one lap in every event—an unprecedented accomplishment. He also amassed 23 stage wins, establishing a new all-time high. Throughout the season, Heim rarely faltered in high-pressure moments and remained at the forefront of every major battle on track. The championship finale not only crowned him as a winner but cemented a year marked by consistency, racecraft, and milestone achievements.

Championship 4 Contenders and Race Highlights

The four pilots vying for the title—Corey Heim, Ty Majeski, Chandler Smith, and Tyler Ankrum—delivered a contest brimming with strategic gambles and rivalry. Social media buzzed as the race unfolded, with fans and teams posting updates and reactions to the event’s wild turns and unpredictable finishes. Throughout the night, the championship contenders traded positions and endured challenges both on track and on pit road, keeping the outcome uncertain until the final moments.

Layne Riggs, overcoming adversity after a post-qualifying setback, momentarily threatened to disrupt the title fight, illustrating the unpredictable nature of the race. Daniel Hemric, Brent Crews, Ben Rhodes, and others were entwined in various incidents, showing just how fiercely competitive the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship race was in 2025.

The Aftermath and What Comes Next

As the dust settled at Phoenix, Corey Heim’s victory resonated through the NASCAR ranks, setting a new benchmark for what is possible in the series. The 2025 season will be remembered for its record-setting performances, bold on-track moves, and a championship driver whose determination delivered when it mattered most. The Corey Heim NASCAR championship 2025 story is set to inspire drivers and teams for future seasons, with Heim joining the ranks of legendary champions. His performance, celebrated by fans and chronicled with iconic images and quotes, leaves a powerful legacy while raising expectations for races and rivals in 2026 and beyond.

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