Corey Heim captured the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series title at Phoenix Raceway on Friday night after a season defined by record-breaking wins and dramatic comebacks. The Corey Heim 2025 Truck Championship marks the culmination of an extraordinary year, with 12 victories and a championship clinched in a breathtaking final race.
Championship Tension Peaks in the Final Laps
Heim entered the championship race already boasting an impressive tally: 11 wins, seven poles, and a dominant presence in the Championship 4. During the 150-lap finale at Phoenix Raceway, he controlled much of the event, leading 100 out of 161 laps and sweeping the stage victories. However, a late yellow flag changed the dynamic, casting uncertainty on Heim’s title quest.
Following a pit stop for four new tires, Heim fell behind competitors Ty Majeski, Kaden Honeycutt, and Tyler Ankrum, all of whom were fellow title contenders. When the field lined up for what would be the first of two overtime restarts, Heim was sitting in 10th place with just two laps to go—a major setback for a season that had set new standards for excellence.
Stunning Overtime Charge Secures the Title
In a moment that will be remembered in series history, Heim executed a remarkable move during the first overtime restart. Diving to the inside line, he navigated his way from 10th to second, threading his truck through a congested, seven-wide battle in turns 1 and 2. This surge reignited his championship hopes and set the stage for a decisive finish.
“WHAT A RESTART BY HEIM AND MAJESKI! pic.twitter.com/jvLZ5tPPBH”
This daring maneuver placed Heim alongside Ty Majeski on the front row for the season’s ultimate restart. Majeski, the reigning 2024 champion, aimed to defend his title, while Heim fought to secure the championship he narrowly missed in both 2023 and 2024. As they charged through turn two, Heim seized the lead, leaving Majeski to watch as his rival disappeared into the desert night and crossed the finish line ahead of the field.
Experience, Resilience, and Lessons From the Past
After years of disappointments at Phoenix Raceway, Heim’s persistence finally paid off. In the post-race news conference, he reflected on the growth needed to win under pressure, drawing from his own setbacks and hard-fought lessons.
“I think at the end of the day, it just takes the experience to understand how to conquer adversity, To conquer adversity, I feel like you have to be in adversity. You have to learn how to get through those things.” — Corey Heim, Driver
“Just being put in a spot where you’re in 10th place on a green-white-checkered, having to go get after it, I feel like you had to be on the losing side of that once or twice to understand how to execute on that and actually win.” — Corey Heim, Driver
Heim addressed the setbacks he endured in his truck racing career, noting that failure was as much a part of his journey as victory. Losing out on championships in previous years provided him with the grit and maturity needed for his 2025 success.
“I’ve been on the losing side of it a lot of times in my truck career,” Heim said. “I’ve gotten wiped out. I’ve wiped people out. It takes everything to understand. Sometimes you don’t like it at the end of the day. But as long as you can grow and learn from it, I think that’s the most important part.” — Corey Heim, Driver
Dominance Throughout the 2025 Truck Series Season
Heim’s 2025 campaign was nothing short of historic. He led laps in all 25 races, claimed victory in nearly half of them, achieved top-five finishes in 19 events, and finished in the top 10 in 21 races. His consistent performance left other title contenders, including Kaden Honeycutt and Tyler Ankrum, struggling to match his level throughout the season.
Despite rumors about a full-time move to the Cup Series—likely not occurring until after 2026—the 23-year-old Marietta, Georgia native maintained a humble approach to his success. Drawing parallels to legendary NASCAR Hall of Famer Mark Martin, Heim attributed much of his achievement to the collective effort of his team and crew.
“I mean, just looking back at what we’ve been able to accomplish this year, a lot of it is because who on the 11 crew has made it happen, It’s such a team effort at the end of the day.” — Corey Heim, Driver
Notable Rivals and Key Moments in the Championship Race
Title hopefuls Ty Majeski and Kaden Honeycutt, along with Tyler Ankrum, played major roles in the season’s closing laps. Majeski sought a repeat triumph after his 2024 championship, but Heim’s late-race composure and bold restarts proved decisive. The championship race at Phoenix Raceway came down to calculated strategy, pit road choices, and the ability to seize opportunity in high-pressure moments.
Observers pointed to Heim’s steady improvement and perseverance over the previous seasons as factors in his 2025 breakthrough. Each restart underscored the significance of experience and quick decision-making, reinforcing the unpredictability of NASCAR’s overtime finishes.
Significance of the 2025 Championship and What Lies Ahead
The 2025 Truck Series championship not only cements Corey Heim’s status among modern racing greats but also highlights the evolving level of talent in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. His dominant season, intense rivalry with Ty Majeski and other top drivers, and ability to handle setbacks demonstrated a rare combination of skill and determination.
With rumors swirling around a pending promotion to NASCAR’s Cup Series, fans and teams alike are watching what comes next for Heim. For now, his 2025 Truck Series triumph stands as one of the most compelling and hard-fought championships in recent NASCAR history, inspiring future contenders and raising the competitive bar for seasons to come.
WHAT A RESTART BY HEIM AND MAJESKI! pic.twitter.com/jvLZ5tPPBH
— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) November 1, 2025
