The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway never disappoints with plenty of NASCAR Cup Series flavor in the field. This year’s race included both Ross Chastain and eight-time Truck Series winner at the track, Kyle Busch. Neither had enough speed or the truck to run down Corey Heim. Heim Time reigned supreme on Friday night. He went out there and dominated once again.
Corey Heim Proves He’s Best in NASCAR Truck Series at Charlotte
Heim and his team, Tricon Garage, have been the team to beat all year, and they once again brought plenty of speed. In fact, three of their trucks qualified in the front three positions. That was led by rookie driver Gio Ruggiero, who scored his first career pole. Even with Ruggiero and teammate Tanner Gray upfront, there was no denying Corey Heim.
The trucks are rollin’ at @CLTMotorSpdwy!
The green flag is out and we are live on FS1. pic.twitter.com/CJlFL9xXZj
— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) May 24, 2025
Despite a challenge from Ross Chastain early, Heim quickly gained the lead from the early parts of the race. He made easy work of winning the opening stage. Once Corey got the lead, he wasn’t going to let the mistakes that had likely cost him at least three or four other wins this season. This race at Charlotte proved pretty tame, except for a pretty big incident during the final stage of the race.
Heim once again proved to be the best driver both on the track and in the pits as he easily won both stages. Not to mention, he continues to check off leading laps. He’s led in every race this season.
It’s a stage sweep for the No. 11! @CoreyHeim_ wins Stage 2. pic.twitter.com/k6asHLXHzI
— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) May 24, 2025
Big Wreck Ruins Night for Contenders
Once the final stage got rolling, some drivers started to get a little out of shape, as everyone was racing hard, three and four wide following the restart. A three wide battle spelled trouble for some of the series’ biggest names. As Chandler Smith who won at North Wilkesboro tangled with defending Truck Champion Ty Majeski, ending the night for both drivers.
The caution is out after multiple trucks make contact. pic.twitter.com/Psep4IR2PY
— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) May 24, 2025
It certainly hasn’t been a strong start to 2025 for Thorsport as a whole. While that was happening, Kyle Busch and Chastain were both trying to chase down Corey Heim. It was by that point of the night, things really started to fall into Heim’s hands. The guy was able to eventually build a lead well over five seconds. He was nearly unstoppable.
It made the final pit stops of the night fun to watch as Heim had to wait for others to pit to cycle back to the lead. Once he did, he pushed his lead to something far greater and bigger than imaginable. No one else had anything for Corey.
Margin of Victory Was Incredible
When the race was said and done, he put on a perfect performance. He became the first driver to score a perfect race, with 61 points for the night. Both stage wins, the race win, and had the fastest lap of the night.
The first perfect 61 point race in @NASCAR_Trucks.
Pure domination by @CoreyHeim_ at @CLTMotorSpdwy. pic.twitter.com/7OQsLK2wSE
— Xfinity Racing (@XfinityRacing) May 24, 2025
When asked by FS1’s Todd Bodine about the performance, Heim didn’t hold back about not having to worry about someone taking him out.
” It’s awesome, it’s nice to be far enough away where someone can’t clear me out to be honest with you,” Heim said.
Hear from @CoreyHeim_ after dominating from start to finish. ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/vuqaG7Ea1k
— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) May 24, 2025
Heim Continues to Climb the Winner Board
If the dominant performance put on by Heim wasn’t enough, this kid continues to prove why he’s going to be a Cup driver very soon. The win in Charlotte was his 15th of his Truck career. The race was also just his 75th start in the series. That’s simply amazing. With it being his 15th win, he moved into a tie with three-time Truck Champion Matt Crafton, who is still an active driver.
To think Heim has won 15 races in five years, and Crafton has been racing for over 21 years. Corey Heim is the Truck Series at this point, there’s no denying it. He’s simply inevitable.
Tonight's win makes @CoreyHeim_ the youngest driver to reach 15 career CRAFTSMAN Truck Series victories! pic.twitter.com/BKBkzwr6mo
— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) May 24, 2025
READ NEXT: Heim-Riggs Incident Paves Way for Chandler Smith Victory at North Wilkesboro
Main Photo: Logan Riely, Getty Images
Recording Date: 5/24/2025
