Corey Heim secured his first NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship at Phoenix Raceway, fending off fierce competition and delivering a performance that will be remembered for years. His Corey Heim championship victory capped an electrifying finale marked by dramatic lead changes and a showcase of strategy, determination, and raw talent.
Ty Majeski’s Bold Bid for a Second Title Comes Up Short
Heading into the championship race, Ty Majeski, the defending Truck Series champion, appeared confident as he prepared to defend his title at Phoenix Raceway. Despite Corey Heim’s impressive season, Majeski led the field late in the event and seemed poised to retain his crown.
During a media session before the race, Majeski shared,
It’d be great. I mean, social media would just explode, and I’m here for all of it. I love stirring the pot a little bit. And, yeah, I’d love to be the guy that did that.
– Ty Majeski, Driver
Majeski’s optimism carried through the intense final laps, but fate had other plans. Heim, driving for TRICON Garage, surged ahead late to earn his first series title. Majeski, however, handled the outcome with grace, displaying true sportsmanship after a hard-fought battle.
Resilience and Reflection After a Gritty Season
In his post-race reflections, Majeski expressed pride in his team’s journey through the season’s ups and downs. He acknowledged their resilience, saying,
Yeah, really just proud of the whole season that this group put together. We had a pretty rough stretch in the April-May-June months, and a pretty strong meeting with ourselves, looked in the mirror, and today we’re champions. We can turn this thing around and, and we did. We’re on, you know, a streak of 12 races in a row in the top ten, nine of them top fives, and thought we were poised to do something very special tonight, and obviously just a little bit short.
– Ty Majeski, Driver
Majeski’s consistent performance, including a remarkable streak of consecutive top finishes, kept him in contention throughout the season. During the race, he fought fiercely, especially as the laps dwindled. After a late pit stop put Heim back in the pack, Majeski took the lead and appeared close to repeating as champion.
However, Heim was not finished. On a critical restart, he executed a daring move along the inside wall through Turn 1, jumping from tenth to second as the field went seven wide, bringing out a caution and forcing the race into overtime. With strategic tire changes favoring Heim, the advantage shifted in the final shootout.
Heim’s fresh tires allowed him to overtake Majeski after the restart and ultimately capture not only the win but also his maiden Truck Series championship. Majeski finished runner-up, while Kaden Honeycutt, a name synonymous with tenacity this season, completed a strong drive to third place in both the race and overall standings.
Reflecting on his on-track duel with Heim, Majeski said,
Yeah, very close tonight at portions of the run to the 11. I thought at times we’re actually better than him, but overall he was just too strong and I couldn’t get a good enough restart to take advantage of where when in the run my truck was better.
– Ty Majeski, Driver
The outcome showcased Majeski’s fierce determination, but it was Heim who completed a season for the ages, leaving his rivals and fans in awe at the finale.
Heim’s Incredible Phoenix Rally Seals History
Corey Heim’s journey to the championship was nothing short of historic. At just 23, Heim had already demonstrated his capabilities by racking up 12 wins during the season. In the Phoenix championship race, he started sixth and quickly maneuvered through traffic, taking the lead by Lap 22 after an early caution. He maintained control for the majority of the event, even as Majeski stalked him from behind, ready to seize any opportunity.
With only three laps remaining and a caution on the track, Heim’s decision to pit for four fresh tires was seen by many as a gamble. The call dropped him out of the top five, casting doubt over his title quest. Nevertheless, with remarkable tenacity, he scythed back through the field, ultimately vaulting from tenth to second in a breathtaking move during the penultimate restart, which set up an overtime finish.
Sensing that destiny was finally within reach, Heim’s competitive mind-set was evident when he declared,
Yeah, I don’t care if I was on 100-lap tires, nobody was gonna beat me tonight, it wasn’t gonna happen.
– Corey Heim, Driver
The restart saw Heim use his tire advantage to full effect, surging past Majeski to take control and never looking back. The victory capped a season that required calm precision, strategic calls, and relentless determination. Heim credited his team’s efforts as he reflected on their journey, stating,
We struggled all weekend and in practice. We had some issues in qualifying – we missed it a little bit. But we can always trust Scott up on the box. He did everything he could to put me in a position to win the race. Just drove it in deep until I couldn’t anymore…just insane.
– Corey Heim, Driver
From Heartbreak to Triumph: A Fitting Culmination
This Corey Heim championship victory marked a career-defining achievement for the young driver, coming after seasons of near-misses. In 2023, his hopes were dashed by a late-race run-in with Carson Hocevar, and in 2024, he was forced to settle for second place behind Majeski. Finally, in 2025, Heim turned heartbreak into history, securing the elusive title.
Heim captured the significance of the moment, especially considering the faith shown by those who backed him early in his career, by remarking,
Toyota took a chance on me years ago…just insane.
– Corey Heim, Driver
The TRICON Garage, celebrating a landmark victory, now stands atop the sport, while rivals like Majeski and Kaden Honeycutt reflect on their own achievements and challenges over an emotional and unforgettable season.
What This Win Means for the Truck Series and the Future
Corey Heim’s triumph not only cements his place in the ranks of NASCAR champions but signals a new era for the series. By balancing raw speed with tactical prowess and unshakable composure, Heim proved that perseverance and teamwork can turn aspirations into reality. The dramatic showdown at Phoenix and the rivalries among young stars like Heim, Majeski, and Honeycutt ensure that fans can look forward to even more fierce contests and unforgettable moments in seasons to come.
As the dust settles at Phoenix Raceway, TRICON Garage, their talented driver, and racing enthusiasts everywhere can celebrate a Corey Heim championship victory—one that will inspire future champions and thrill audiences for years.
