Kevin Harvick NASCAR reaction took center stage on the latest episode of the Happy Hour podcast, as the former Cup Series champion discussed Corey Heim’s dramatic victory in the Craftsman Truck Series finale. Heim, representing Tricon Garage, secured his first Truck Series title in a thrilling race filled with intense pit strategy and heated moments at the Phoenix Raceway.
Heim Surges to Victory with Gutsy Moves and Strategic Calls
Corey Heim began the championship race from sixth on the grid, narrowly missing out on the top five with a qualifying lap of 26.77 seconds and a peak speed of 134.47 mph. He trailed pole sitter Layne Riggs by just 0.06 seconds. Despite starting behind, Heim quickly made his way to the front, capturing the lead on lap 22 and winning the first stage of the finale.
Stage two saw tension rise as Ty Majeski exited the pits ahead of Heim, temporarily taking command of the race. Nevertheless, the determined 23-year-old reclaimed the lead and also captured the second stage victory. Facing a high-stakes decision in the final stretch, Heim opted for a four-tire pit stop, dropping back momentarily before rallying to the front. Leading for 100 laps, Heim’s persistent pace sealed him the Championship 4 triumph.
Kevin Harvick Praises Heim’s Performance Under Pressure
Reflecting on Heim’s impressive run in the finale, Kevin Harvick expressed high admiration for the #11 Toyota driver during the podcast:
“When you look at the restart that Corey Heim was able to have seven wide on the bottom, unreal. And able to make that pass and come back to win the championship. We talked about it last week. We said if Corey Heim or Connor Zilisch lost the championship, it was going to be a nuclear meltdown from the fans.
— Kevin Harvick, Former NASCAR Cup Series driver
“Corey Heim saved them on night one with a spectacular move. Great pit call, fastest truck, best driver whatever you want to call it, it worked out. And thank God these guys won the championship. They had just the best year in the history of the Truck Series,” Harvick concluded.
— Kevin Harvick, Former NASCAR Cup Series driver
Heim crossed the finish line less than a second ahead of championship rival Ty Majeski, clocking a 0.993-second lead. The Toyota driver capped off the season with an outstanding record: 12 wins, 21 top tens, 19 top fives, and seven pole positions — and notably, he finished every race of the year without a single DNF.
Record-Shattering Season for Corey Heim in the Truck Series
Not only did Corey Heim clinch his first championship, but he also broke one of the longest-standing records in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. His standout performance in Phoenix elevated him past Mike Skinner’s historic mark for most laps led in a season, a record previously set in 1996 with 1,533 laps.
Heim set an additional milestone by becoming the first competitor across NASCAR’s three major national series to lead at least one lap in every race over a single season, a feat never accomplished before. NASCAR analyst Jeff Gluck highlighted this breakthrough on his social platform:
“Get this: Corey Heim has now completed an incredible feat and led at least one lap in every race. He also just broke Mike Skinner’s single-season laps led record (set in 1996).”
— Jeff Gluck, NASCAR Analyst
“Per @NASCARInsights, Heim is the first driver to lead every race in a season for any series in a NASCAR national series,” he added.
— Jeff Gluck, NASCAR Analyst
Heim’s racecraft this season marks a huge step forward from previous years, where he finished fourth and second in the championship. Persistence paid off in his fifth year, as Heim beat reigning champion Ty Majeski to finally claim the championship trophy in an exceptional campaign.
What Heim’s Triumph Means for NASCAR’s Future
Corey Heim’s journey from near-misses to outright dominance this season signals a turning point for both his own career and the dynamics of the Craftsman Truck Series. Backed by Tricon Garage, his historic stats — from winning stages and races to shattering decades-old records — set a new standard for aspiring drivers and established veterans alike.
The widespread praise from influential voices like Kevin Harvick and Jeff Gluck amplifies the significance of this victory within the NASCAR community. Heim’s consistency, adaptability, and knack for performing in crucial moments generate hope and excitement for future seasons, as fans and fellow competitors await what comes next in Heim’s promising career.
