Corey Heim secured the 2025 NASCAR Truck Series championship at Phoenix Raceway, making history as the first driver to win 12 races in a single season. The Corey Heim NASCAR Truck champion story centers on unprecedented dominance and consistency, with Heim leading a record-breaking number of laps throughout the season.
Season Dominated by Consistency and Performance
The recently concluded 2025 NASCAR Truck Series season at Phoenix Raceway showcased one of the most memorable campaigns in recent series memory, led by exceptional performances and new standards for excellence. Laps led became a telling measure of competitiveness and resilience among drivers, especially across a demanding 25-race schedule. This metric highlighted those who displayed both outright speed and strategic mastery, culminating in a tight race among several standout individuals.
Top Drivers by Laps Led in the 2025 NASCAR Truck Series
Five competitors distinguished themselves by leading more laps than their peers, offering further evidence of their impact and influence on the season. These drivers demonstrated not just speed but sustained control at the front of the pack, often shaping the outcome of crucial moments at various tracks.
Corey Heim’s Unmatched Season at the Front
Corey Heim emerged as the clear leader in 2025, setting a new standard for the series by leading 1,627 laps—more than any driver in a single Truck Series year. This achievement underscores the dominance Heim displayed while piloting the No. 11 Toyota for Tricon Garage. At only 23, Heim reached yet another milestone, becoming the first driver in any of NASCAR’s three national divisions to lead at least one lap in every race of a single season. Heim’s blend of speed and consistency defined not just his title run, but a historic campaign for Tricon Garage and the Toyota brand.
Layne Riggs Rises as a Formidable Challenger
Finishing solidly in second place for most laps led, Layne Riggs of Front Row Motorsports recorded 497 laps at the front in 2025. Although the gap between him and Heim was significant, Riggs’ season established him as a viable contender for future championships. This was highlighted by a career year that included three visits to victory lane and an impressive 13 top-five finishes, marking a major step forward for both Riggs and his team as they look to build on this foundation in coming years.
Chandler Smith Returns to Contend
Chandler Smith’s return to the Truck Series with Front Row Motorsports paid immediate dividends, as he managed to lead 221 laps and snag two race wins in 2025. Smith’s strategic presence was felt at the front of the field during crucial race segments, even though he ultimately wrapped up the year in eighth place in the championship hunt. His role in affecting the flow of races cemented his reputation as a consistent threat in the series.
Rajah Caruth Makes His Mark as a Rising Star
Rajah Caruth captured his second career Truck Series win at Nashville Superspeedway, leading to a strong season with 202 laps at the front of the field. Representing Spire Motorsports, Caruth’s campaign resulted in a sixth-place finish in the overall standings, reflecting both his growth as a driver and his potential to keep moving up the NASCAR ranks.
Ty Majeski Demonstrates Championship Poise
Ty Majeski, the reigning 2024 NASCAR Truck Series champion, finished the 2025 season ranked fifth in laps led, with a total of 199 for ThorSport Racing. Majeski’s focus was on collecting stage points and maintaining steady performances, which kept him in the championship mix despite only scoring one victory during the season. His calm approach carried over into the high-pressure finale at Phoenix, where he once again proved his readiness for big moments.
What Heim’s Record Means for the Future of the Series
Corey Heim’s dominant run in 2025 not only rewrote the record books but also set a new bar for all future contenders in the NASCAR Truck Series. His unparalleled ability to control races from the front, along with impressive showings from the likes of Layne Riggs, Chandler Smith, Rajah Caruth, and Ty Majeski, ensured a season full of energy and anticipation. As other drivers look to challenge for the title in coming years, Heim’s championship campaign will be remembered as a blueprint for sustained excellence and resilience in the sport.
