Corey Heim clinched the 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship at Phoenix Raceway with an extraordinary seven-wide maneuver in overtime, leveraging his season-long dominance to become Corey Heim 2025 Truck champion. The TRICON Garage driver’s performance capped a record-breaking season, erasing past disappointments and confirming his standing among the sport’s elite.
Heim’s Unmatched Dominance Defines the 2025 Season
The 2025 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series delivered a spectacle unmatched in its history, with Corey Heim’s unparalleled skill and resilience at the forefront. Despite the intense competition and past seasons where Heim left without the crown, he consistently showcased superiority on the track, culminating in his 12th victory of the year in Phoenix. This accomplishment marked Heim’s first series championship and underscored his status as the most deserving competitor of the season.
Heim’s season statistics were staggering: 12 wins in 25 races, shattering the single-season win record. He amassed 19 top-five finishes, 21 top-tens, and 23 stage wins, leading over 1,600 laps and becoming the first driver ever to lead at least one lap in every race. Remarkably, Heim completed the season without a single DNF (did not finish), firmly cementing his campaign as one for the history books.
Race Recap: Phoenix Raceway Delivers a Wild Championship Finale
The finale at Phoenix Raceway provided the drama worthy of a title showdown, with late-race incidents and strategy calls testing even the most seasoned drivers. Heim, who had already secured wins in both Stages 1 and 2, led a commanding 100 of 161 laps, reinforcing the speed of the No. 11 truck. Despite this, polesitter Layne Riggs, starting from the back due to a penalty, mounted a charge late in the race, threatening Heim’s lead as the field approached the final laps.
The pivotal moment came when Connor Mosack, choosing not to pit with a tire rub, caused a caution after crashing into the outside wall. The ensuing pit stops and strategy shuffles dropped Heim to 10th for the restart, with Stefan Parsons and Cole Butcher leading the field. What followed was chaos at its most intense: a seven-wide battle for the lead into Turn 1, with Heim navigating the bottom line almost scraping the inside wall. Through sheer determination, Heim advanced to second as another crash triggered a red flag and another overtime attempt.
“This sport rocks. https://t.co/URmpZikjpv”— Anthony Damcott, Editor/Reporter
On the next restart, Heim surged to the front, seizing control and racing uncontested to both the checkered flag and his long-awaited championship title.
“COREY HEIM IS THE 2025 CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES CHAMPION! pic.twitter.com/hFkdHkU1ZH”— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks, Official Series Channel
Heim’s ability to capitalize on high-pressure moments showcased both his composure and his team’s strategic intelligence, finally delivering the title that had eluded him in previous campaigns.
Key Performers and Final Standings at Phoenix
As the dust settled in Phoenix, Ty Majeski claimed second place in both the race and overall standings, narrowly missing a back-to-back championship run. Kaden Honeycutt, who has been mentioned as a new addition to TRICON Garage, delivered a solid third-place finish, aligning with his season performance. Tyler Ankrum rounded out the top four in points, despite a late accident that relegated him to 14th on the night.
Layne Riggs, after overcoming both a penalty and an early setback, demonstrated speed but was denied both the Phoenix win and the owners’ championship for his No. 34 entry when late-race calamities intervened. Drivers such as Matt Mills, who gained 22 positions from 33rd to 11th, and rookies like Tyler Reif, who finished ninth in his debut for Niece Motorsports, made notable impressions during the season finale.
Notable Off-Track Developments and 2026 Season Plans
The championship race wasn’t just defined by on-track action; several drivers revealed their intentions for the upcoming 2026 season. Dawson Sutton announced the continuation of his partnership with Rackley W.A.R., expressing in a care center interview after crashing on the first lap that he intends to return next year. FOX Sports, during the broadcast, disclosed that Kaden Honeycutt is set to join TRICON Garage, a move that adds further depth to the competitive field.
Veteran Matt Crafton, who recently stepped away from full-time racing, signaled plans to run a part-time schedule, indicating fans may still see him competing in more than just a handful of events. Ben Rhodes and Jake Garcia each stated their inclinations to return to ThorSport Racing, maintaining stability within the organization. Additionally, Andres Perez confirmed his eagerness to come back after his own tough break at Phoenix.
Breakout Rookies Set to Shape the Future
This year’s rookie class left their mark, with Massachusetts native Gio Ruggiero earning the Sunoco Rookie of the Year Award and capping his season with a significant victory at Talladega Superspeedway. Tyler Reif impressed in his maiden Truck Series start, finishing ninth for Niece Motorsports and drawing attention as a future regular. The influx of new talent, including drivers like Brent Crews, Clayton Green, Toni Breidinger, Frankie Muniz, Greg Van Alst, Luke Baldwin, Caleb Costner, Connor Mosack, and Cole Butcher, energized the series and hinted at fierce competition ahead.
Season Records, Legacy, and What Comes Next for Heim
Corey Heim’s comprehensive record in the 2025 season transcended mere statistics. By notching 12 wins, achieving 19 top-fives, 21 top-tens, and 23 stage victories, and dominating every race on the schedule, he shattered previous Truck Series records. He remains the only driver to lead a lap in all 25 races, outperforming the field with relentless consistency and performance. Heim’s competitors, including Layne Riggs, Ty Majeski, and veteran Matt Crafton, regularly found themselves in pursuit rather than contention.
This season’s impact was deeply felt both among fans and within the paddock. Heim’s determination was unmistakable, especially during the championship-deciding race, where a bold strategic call led to the memorable seven-wide move that secured his place in Truck Series history. For a driver who had been close yet bereft of a title in the prior two years, finally achieving the championship provided both relief and validation.
“BTA https://t.co/BePksm1SUM”— Corey Heim, Driver
Questions remain about Heim’s future, with speculation about whether he will move to a higher series or return to defend his title. Racing insiders are eager to see him challenge for bigger opportunities, given his remarkable display of talent and the industry-wide consensus that he represents the future of the sport. Regardless of his next step, Heim’s 2025 campaign is already being celebrated as a Hall of Fame-worthy season.
Paint Scheme Spotlight: Halloween at Phoenix
The Phoenix race, held on Halloween, featured a standout paint scheme from Ben Rhodes and the ThorSport Racing crew. Breaking from their traditional bright orange, the No. 99 Campers Inn RV Ford F-150 arrived at the track with a bold, glow-in-the-dark-inspired green and midnight blue livery. The upgrade extended to their mascot, RV Artie, who appeared as a mummy in recognition of the holiday. While Rhodes’ night ended prematurely after a crash, his team’s creativity drew admiration for embracing the spirit of Halloween.
“Things are getting spooky in Sandusky 👀The No. 99 Campers Inn RV Ford F-150 is headed west for Halloween night under the lights! 🎃Catch Ben Rhodes and RV Artie in action from Phoenix – LIVE Friday at 7:30 PM ET on @FS1 👻#FordRacing #CampersInnRV #BenRhodes… pic.twitter.com/5KZAgeV1Xy”— ThorSport Racing, Team
Despite the disappointing finish for the 2021 and 2023 series champion Rhodes, the paint scheme was lauded as a perfect celebration of racing on a major holiday, with calls for more teams to join in the thematic fun when similar opportunities arise.
Looking Forward: Countdown to 2026 Season Opener
With the 2025 season concluded, attention now shifts to the road ahead. The next chapter for the Truck Series begins at Daytona International Speedway, set for Friday, February 13th, 2026. While Corey Heim is the defending winner of the event, his plans for next season remain unclear, leaving fans and insiders alike eager for news. Race coverage for the Fresh From Florida 250 will likely air on FOX Sports 1, with radio calls provided by the newly introduced NASCAR Racing Network and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio.
This offseason provides drivers, teams, and fans a chance to reflect on an unforgettable season defined by Corey Heim’s dominance, the emergence of new contenders, and the ever-present energy that makes the Truck Series a must-watch championship. When Daytona arrives, a new era will begin, but the legacy of Heim’s 2025 triumph—his bold overtime move and his record-shattering run—will be the standard against which the future is measured.
This sport rocks. https://t.co/URmpZikjpv
— Anthony Damcott (@AnthonyDamcott) November 1, 2025
COREY HEIM IS THE 2025 CRAFTSMAN TRUCK SERIES CHAMPION! pic.twitter.com/hFkdHkU1ZH
— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) November 1, 2025
A Championship watch. pic.twitter.com/9hQXjI0hs8
— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) November 1, 2025
A breakout campaign that included his first career victory.@Gio_Ruggiero1 is the 2025 #SunocoRookie of the Year in the CRAFTSMAN Truck Series! pic.twitter.com/8RbpafAMLL
— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) November 1, 2025
— Corey Heim (@CoreyHeim_) November 1, 2025
Things are getting spooky in Sandusky 👀
The No. 99 Campers Inn RV Ford F-150 is headed west for Halloween night under the lights! 🎃Catch Ben Rhodes and RV Artie in action from Phoenix – LIVE Friday at 7:30 PM ET on @FS1 👻#FordRacing #CampersInnRV #BenRhodes… pic.twitter.com/5KZAgeV1Xy
— ThorSport Racing (@ThorSportRacing) October 28, 2025
