Corey Heim Secures NASCAR Truck Series Championship in Dramatic Finale
Corey Heim clinched the 2023 NASCAR Craftsman truck Series championship Friday night at Phoenix Raceway, overcoming a late-race penalty and a fierce challenge from Ben Rhodes in a thrilling finish. the 22-year-old driver of the No. 75 Chevrolet, owned by Camp Racing, secured his first series title after leading 79 laps and ultimately finishing 11th in the race. Despite the less-than-ideal race result, Heim’s consistent performance throughout the season and his ability to navigate adversity proved decisive.
Heim’s championship run marks a significant milestone in a career already showing immense promise. The Georgia native transitioned to full-time Truck Series competition in 2023 after gaining experience in the ARCA Menards Series, where he earned 11 wins in 42 starts between 2020 and 2022. This championship victory positions Heim as a rising star within NASCAR, opening doors to potential opportunities in the Xfinity Series and ultimately, the Cup Series. The title also represents a breakthrough for Camp Racing,a relatively new team in the NASCAR landscape,demonstrating their ability to compete at the highest level.
Heim entered the championship race wiht a cozy points lead, but a speeding penalty on pit road during the final stage threatened to derail his championship hopes.Rhodes seized the opportunity, taking the lead and appearing poised to steal the title. However, Heim remained calm under pressure, strategically managing his truck and capitalizing on late-race cautions to secure enough points to maintain his championship advantage.
“It’s astonishing,” Heim said after the race. “Just so proud of everyone at Camp Racing. We’ve worked so hard for this. It wasn’t the way we wanted to win it, but we’ll take it.”
Prior to his Truck Series success, Heim demonstrated his talent in the ARCA Menards Series, racing for Chad Bryant Racing. His 2022 season was notably notable, earning him the series championship with six wins, 14 top-five finishes, and 16 top-10s in 20 races. This foundation of success paved the way for his move to NASCAR’s Truck Series.
Looking ahead, Heim’s future remains open to possibilities. While he has expressed interest in pursuing a career in the NASCAR Cup Series, his immediate plans are currently undefined. The championship win undoubtedly elevates his profile and will attract attention from potential sponsors and teams across all three NASCAR national series. Heim’s journey from ARCA champion to truck Series champion underscores his dedication and talent, signaling a shining future for the young driver.
