Corey Heim’s NASCAR journey reached a dramatic milestone in Phoenix when the 22-year-old clinched the Craftsman Truck Series title, solidifying his status as the favorite during the Championship 4 weekend. In an outstanding season, Heim captured 12 wins across 25 starts, but this achievement was hard-earned—the product of persistence and determination rather than wealth or established connections.
Growing Up with Humble Beginnings in Georgia Racing
Raised in Cumming, Georgia, Heim’s early racing life played out at local tracks and the Lanier quarter-midget circuit. Unlike some of his peers, Heim’s family faced financial challenges, relying on a tight budget to fund his early racing career. His opportunities to advance increased only after his father’s business began to stabilize, which allowed Heim to transition from grassroots circuits to the more competitive Late Models, paving his way onto the ARCA stage.
Breaking Through with Grit and Opportunity
Between 2019 and 2022, Corey Heim began making his mark in the ARCA series by securing nine victories. This led to an opportunity with Kyle Busch Motorsports, who provided him with a ride in the No. 51 Truck. Reflecting on those early years, Heim remembered,
It’s a surreal feeling. I came from 2019… I ran a part-time schedule with a different team. Had a pretty lackluster year.
– Corey Heim, Driver. His journey was a family affair, with his father investing every resource possible and hoping for a manufacturer’s support.
Seizing the Moment with Venturini Motorsports
Heim’s big break emerged in 2020 when he joined Venturini Motorsports for a seven-race ARCA schedule, while still participating in Late Model events. Aware of the uphill battle in seeking a full-time spot, Heim said,
If you run seven ARCA races, you’re not really in a running to be in a full-time truck at some point,
– Corey Heim, Driver. That year, winning at Kansas became pivotal for Heim as it positioned him for a full-time ride with Venturini and support from Toyota the following season. Heim recalled his mindset at the time:
Go out and have a really good year. Set myself up for success going forward,
– Corey Heim, Driver.
Loyalty to Early Supporters and Partnership with Toyota and TRICON Garage
Throughout his rise, Heim maintained strong ties to those who first backed him, especially as Venturini Motorsports and Toyota played integral roles in his career trajectory. Heim emphasized this enduring trust, stating,
Little by little, I kind of just kept faith in Toyota, what they had planned for me. I’ve always felt like I’ve been put in a really good position at all times. Kept faith in that, kept faith in TRICON Garage. Earn was kind of unsure where we would land from them moving from David Gilliland Racing at the time.
– Corey Heim, Driver. His perseverance and loyalty led to an evolving partnership with both Toyota and TRICON Garage, setting the foundation for his record-setting season.
Reflecting on a Rapid Rise in NASCAR
Heim’s remarkable season was not just the product of talent but of belief in himself and those who supported him. Looking back on his journey, Heim said,
If you told myself in 2020 where I’d be in 2025, I probably wouldn’t believe you,
– Corey Heim, Driver. From piecing together funds to compete at local Georgia tracks, to ultimately winning the Truck Series championship, Heim’s path was shaped by effort and dedication rather than privilege. His story stands as a testament to persistence and performance prevailing over financial advantage, changing the narrative for those who follow.
