Corey Heim isn’t just having a breakout year! He’s owning the 2025 NASCAR Truck Series. As the current points leader with multiple wins, poles, and a consistency that rivals seasoned veterans, Heim is proving he’s the real deal. But while fans see the trophies and top finishes, few know just how close he came to never making it this far.
Behind the polished fire suit is a story of near heartbreak, iRacing marathons, and a family scraping together enough cash to chase a dream on fumes. Heim’s rise is equal parts talent and tenacity—and it’s shining a not-so-subtle light on one of NASCAR’s toughest truths: racing is still as much about funding as it is about fast laps. And Corey Heim lived that tension up close.
Corey Heim’s grit behind the glory
Corey Heim didn’t grow up in a racing dynasty. He didn’t have a bottomless wallet backing his rise, either. But what he had—a relentless drive and a family that believed in just going “until you can’t anymore”—turned out to be enough. Born and raised in Georgia, Heim began cutting his teeth in quarter midgets before working his way into Legends cars.
That’s where the spark began. A few strong runs in Late Models followed, and soon, whispers of real talent turned into opportunities. But the road wasn’t paved with corporate gold. “My dad always told me he didn’t have enough money to fund ARCA racing. So it was always in the back of my mind like, ‘I’m just going to keep doing it until I can’t anymore,’” Heim told The Athletic.
Heim’s father ran a small business. While he could help out in the early years, ARCA-level racing was simply out of reach until the business started doing better. “That’s when his business started doing a lot better, and he was able to throw a little bit more money at it for me to get that ARCA opportunity,” Heim added. “And then little by little, Toyota started to help us, and eventually it turned into what it is now.”
And “what it is now” is one of the brightest careers in NASCAR’s development pipeline. Heim became the youngest driver to reach 10 wins in the Truck Series at just 22 years and 7 days. He was also crowned the 2023 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Regular Season Champion. Currently, he sits atop the Truck Series drivers standings at 566 points with 4 wins, eight top-5s, and ten top-10s, and 812 laps led. He outshines every other driver, even second-placed Daniel Hemric, by a commanding margin.
For Heim, the key wasn’t just talent. It was timing, resilience, and the hope that someone would take notice before the money ran out. “I just always enjoyed it just enough to want to stay in it, and I felt like the day I didn’t enjoy it anymore, I would be done with it. But that day never came.” His words speak volumes not just about his own journey, but about NASCAR’s broader, ongoing issue. The sport’s future stars are often defined not by how fast they are. But, unfortunately, for how long they can afford to hang on.
Can Heim conquer Michigan’s high-speed challenge?
Corey Heim enters Michigan International Speedway as the clear favorite, but the challenge ahead is anything but straightforward. The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series returns to Michigan for the first time since 2020. The two-mile oval is notorious for its high speeds, wide racing surface, and unpredictable outcomes. In fact, 15 different drivers have won in the last 16 Truck Series races at Michigan. This underscores just how competitive and open this event can be.
Heim has momentum. With four wins under his belt already this season, including recent strong runs at Charlotte and Gateway, he’s clearly the man to beat. But Michigan’s two-mile oval presents a different beast. Track position and clean air are crucial here. The draft plays a major role, especially on restarts. One misstep can turn a contender’s day into a disaster. Heim will need to lean on his experience and the strength of his TRICON Garage team to stay ahead.
The DQS Solutions & Staffing 250 will be contested over 100 laps. With the playoff field still taking shape, every point matters. Heim’s TRICON Garage team has been nearly flawless! But Michigan’s history suggests that strategy, pit stops, and a little bit of luck will all play a role. With practice and qualifying scheduled for race morning, teams will have limited time to dial in their setups, adding another layer of unpredictability.
Can Corey Heim conquer Michigan’s high-speed challenge and add another win to his 2025 resume? Or will the track’s reputation for surprise victors strike again? With momentum on his side but history working against him, all eyes will be on the No. 11 Toyota when the green flag drops.
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