Corey Heim’s NASCAR success in 2025 owes much to the support and sacrifices of his father, Ray Heim, with both sharing a powerful moment at this year’s NASCAR Cup Awards. After a season where Corey clinched the Truck Series championship and captured the hearts of fans, he continues to highlight how his father’s dedication made the journey possible.
During a standout season with a record twelve wins and at least one lap led in every race, Corey Heim’s relentless focus was matched only by his gratitude toward family. At the NASCAR Cup Awards, his emotional words reflected the deep bond between father and son:
He’s been there for every high and every low. Thank you, dad, for your unconditional support and belief in me from day one. Thank you.
— Corey Heim, 2025 Truck Series Champion. This moment was a fitting close to a dramatic year for the Georgia-born driver, bringing his father to tears and underlining the sacrifices made along the way.
A Journey Rooted in Family Commitment
Corey Heim’s racing journey began before he could even grasp the wheel of a full-size car. Raised in a household where racing was more than a pastime, Corey received his first quarter midget at just five years old, thanks to his father’s unwavering backing. Speaking openly about those early days, Corey shared,
Yeah, well, that said all the impact on my racing career. Yeah, he’s the only reason why I’m here today. Probably my first quarter midget when I was five years old, and I got to run it at my local short track. And he’s supported my racing career, you know, from a personal perspective and also a financial perspective for a long time, to the point where I can finally, you know, race and, you know, get paid to race with Toyota and everything.
— Corey Heim, 2025 Truck Series Champion.
Ray Heim, once a successful late-model competitor at Lanier National Speedway, worked in the gambling industry to support their ambitions. Facing the high costs of motorsport, Ray resorted to selling slot machine monitors so that Corey could continue racing, proving how determination off the track is as crucial as any on-track skill.
As the years went by, the sacrifices only grew. Corey acknowledged his father’s immense investment—emotionally and financially—remarking,
My dad’s investing pretty much every time he’s got into my racing career,
— Corey Heim, 2025 Truck Series Champion. Stints with Venturini Motorsports helped build his reputation, eventually landing him a full-time position that set the stage for his championship-winning performance.
From Humble Beginnings to Championship Glory
Ray Heim’s passion for the sport and commitment to his son’s potential transformed their routine weekend racetrack visits into a competitive endeavor. It was Ray’s gift of a go-kart at Christmas that would change the course of both their lives, as discipline, trust, and shared ambition became the foundation of a powerful father-son partnership.
Ray’s pride in Corey’s dedication has never wavered, expressing,
Since Corey started picking it up, there has been nothing better to see. He is so dedicated to becoming a better driver. He takes every racing experience and builds on it,
— Ray Heim, Father of Corey Heim. Corey’s methodical approach took him from local short tracks to center stage, including a determined championship drive at Phoenix Raceway, where he clawed back from tenth position after a late caution to overtake Ty Majeski, the 2024 NASCAR champion.
During this year’s festivities, Corey again highlighted how much meant to have his father at his side, stating,
He’s been part of the journey for my whole life, and see him, you know, smiling in Victory Lane after we won the championship, everything is definitely very fulfilling for me because I know like I can never pay him back for what he’s done for me. You know, he can appreciate the accomplishments, and you know, that’s what means most to him. So definitely it was awesome to have him over the weekend, and hopefully we can win some more.
— Corey Heim, 2025 Truck Series Champion. To Corey and Ray, each achievement is a shared milestone, symbolizing the result of years of resilience and strong family ties.
The Truck Series: Pathway to the NASCAR Cup Stage
While drivers like Carson Hocevar may take alternative routes, Corey Heim firmly believes that the Truck Series offers the best foundation for a leap into NASCAR’s top ranks. The division’s reputation as an authentic testing ground is widely recognized within the sport, as it exposes aspiring drivers to the pressures and pace of national-level competition.
Heim, having competed in the Truck, Xfinity, and Cup Series, shared his insights, explaining,
I think the trucks are probably the most similar to Cup cars. I’ve driven all three. From a vehicle perspective, I think it definitely resonates the most when you’re trying to develop to be a hopeful Cup driver like myself. Xfinity is great, too.
— Corey Heim, Tricon Garage driver. He expanded on the differences, noting,
You’re comparing apples to oranges at the same time. You race a lot more on the Xfinity side. They’re a little tougher to drive at the end of the day. When you want to go Cup racing, you have to come to the truck.
— Corey Heim, Tricon Garage driver.
The Truck Series not only challenges drivers on-track but offers exposure to Cup-level equipment, intense competition, and mentoring from motorsport veterans. With NASCAR regulations now allowing Cup veterans to race select events in Trucks and Xfinity, the environment grows ever more competitive and educational for younger drivers like Heim.
Programs such as NASCAR’s Drive for Diversity and affiliations with leading Cup organizations further transform the Truck Series into a finishing school, that readies drivers for the demands of bigger stages. Here, racers refine technical skills and develop critical off-track disciplines, including managing sponsorships and media responsibilities.
Corey Heim Looks Ahead to the Next Milestone
With his championship season behind him, Corey Heim and his father Ray are already looking forward to the next challenge. Their collective journey from Georgia short tracks to national prominence offers a powerful reminder of the role family plays in racing success. For the 2025 Craftsman Truck Champion, every step up the NASCAR ladder is rooted in the belief and commitment that Ray demonstrated from the very beginning.
As Corey continues his progression and keeps the focus on personal and professional growth, his story resonates with hopefuls and veterans alike, serving as inspiration for many throughout the motorsport community. When the next chapter unfolds, Corey Heim’s NASCAR success will undoubtedly remain a testament to the sacrifices, partnership, and determination shared between a dedicated father and son.
