Corey Heim clinched the Corey Heim NASCAR Truck Series championship in a dramatic finish at Phoenix Raceway, capping off a season marked by dominance, high stakes, and relentless competition. Heim overcame a series of late-race obstacles, including risky pit strategy and intense on-track battles, to secure his first NASCAR Truck Series title in Phoenix, delivering a championship for the No. 11 team after leading 100 laps and recording his twelfth victory of the season.
Late-Race Drama Alters Championship Landscape
From the start, Corey Heim’s performance in the 2025 Truck Series season set expectations high, with fans and drivers alike anticipating a championship win after his 12 victories and impressive consistency. The final race at Phoenix saw Heim aiming to translate a dominant year into a title, but uncertainty descended late in the contest. A pivotal strategy call from crew chief Scott Zipadelli set the stage for the unpredictable conclusion; while most top contenders took two tires during a critical pit stop heading into the first overtime, Heim took four, dropping from second place to the edge of the top ten.
This decision, though risky, ultimately positioned Heim for a comeback. As pressure mounted and competitors like Layne Riggs and Ty Majeski capitalized on track position, the championship remained up for grabs. The 98 truck, piloted by Ty Majeski, gained momentum after Riggs seized the lead, introducing the possibility that Heim could miss out on both the Drivers’ and the Owners’ Championships despite his season-long strength. Commentators, including Kevin Harvick, stressed it would be
“embarrassing for NASCAR if Heim didn’t win the Truck Series championship,”
underscoring the stakes for the heavily favored driver.
Pivotal Incidents Shape the Final Laps
With tensions at their peak, a late-race incident added yet another twist. Connor Mosack suffered a tire failure and collided with the wall, bringing out a caution that set the race up for an overtime finish. The restart found Heim fighting to regain lost ground in the pack, needing to perform at his absolute best to secure the title that had slipped so close from his grasp.
Heim Executes Daring Move in Overtime
Phoenix Raceway’s iconic dogleg section provided the setting for one of the most memorable moments in recent NASCAR Truck Series history. As the field roared into overtime, Heim steered his truck far down the dogleg on the restart, triggering a breathtaking seven-wide scramble that became an instant highlight. Navigating through the chaos, Heim surged from deep in the top ten to emerge in second place, a move that set the table for his final title bid.
“NASCAR history all year long for Corey Heim and the No. 11 team.”
—FOX: NASCAR, Broadcaster
Another caution reset the field, and Heim lined up alongside Ty Majeski for the ensuing restart. As the green flag waved, Heim timed his launch, immediately overtaking Majeski before entering Turn 3. From there, Heim’s command of the race mirrored his season-long dominance; he steadily stretched his lead, sealing his championship run as the field fell away in pursuit. By the checkered flag, Heim had completed a wire-to-wire finale, conquering both the physical and mental challenges of the night.
The Impact and What This Championship Means
This triumph at Phoenix Raceway etched Corey Heim’s name onto the list of Truck Series champions, rewarding the No. 11 team’s consistency and determination. Heim’s title was the result of strategic gambles, relentless on-track aggression, and unwavering composure in moments of uncertainty. Fellow competitors Layne Riggs and Ty Majeski were both intimately involved in the tense finish, but ultimately could not overcome Heim’s efforts.
Scott Zipadelli’s bold calls, the strategic complexities of NASCAR pit racing, and the drama of Phoenix’s night racing combined to define this championship finale. The outcome reflects not just individual brilliance but also the synergy within Heim’s entire organization throughout the year. As the NASCAR Truck Series looks to future seasons, Corey Heim’s championship is set to stand as a benchmark for determination under pressure and tenacious pursuit of greatness in motorsports.
NASCAR history all year long for Corey Heim and the No. 11 team.@kaitlynvincie | @NASCAR_Trucks pic.twitter.com/nBCRJwPNFS
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) November 1, 2025
