Corey Heim racing in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship Race at Phoenix Raceway on Friday, November 8, 2024. (Photo: Ricky Martinez | The Podium Finish)
AVONDALE, Ariz. – Friday night’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Championship Race did not go as planned for TRICON Garage’s Corey Heim.
After leading practice and qualifying second for the series finale at Phoenix Raceway, Heim was confident in his team’s ability to nab the title.
“[…] there’s definitely going to be some other trucks to worry about,” Heim said to NASCAR.com. “I mean, it is the Championship 4 after all, so it just matters who peaks at the right time, and I guess we’ll see. I think we’ve just got to be on top of our game, and we’ll be there at the end.”
On a track that boasts wild and competitive racing, drivers needed to be on their toes at all times. Heim, penalized for manipulation and safety issues at the Phoenix finale last year, was ready to compete his latest championship quest.
From the start of the race, it was clear that fellow championship contender Ty Majeski was the truck to beat. While he shot out to a lengthy two-second lead, Heim’s No. 11 Safelite Toyota held second place with a comfortable two-second gap over Christian Eckes.
By Lap 28, Heim caught up to Majeski and was able to take advantage of his loose truck in lapped traffic, passing Majeski for the lead. With just three laps to go in Stage 1, the first caution of the night came out when Frankie Muniz spun in Turn 4.
As the field came around, still carrying a decent amount of speed, Heim nearly collided with Muniz before he swerved out of the way at the last moment. The stage ended under caution with Heim scored as the leader.
Corey Heim took the lead from Ty Majeski long enough to win Stage 1 at Phoenix Raceway. (Photo: Ricky Martinez | The Podium Finish)
With a stage win under his belt, Heim was ready to continue leading the field through pit stops. After sliding through the pit stall and having to back up for his crew to service the left side of the truck, Heim lost two positions and had to line up for the restart in third.
“That is like ice, guys,” Heim said over the radio. “Dude, it’s like the slickest pit box I’ve ever been in.”
A common complaint amongst many drivers in the field was quickly tended to as crew members doused their pit stalls in traction compound.
Following two more cautions, Heim was served his first penalty of the 2024 season when he cut to the bottom of the racetrack prior to reaching the start/finish line on a restart. Despite the frustrating setback, the team was fortunate in that he only had to restart at the tail-end of the lead lap rather than drive down pit road under green.
“I was following his line and he’s [No. 38 of Layne Riggs] the one who changed lines, not me,” Heim said to his team in frustration. Unfortunately, NASCAR Race Control did not agree.
Under caution, Heim’s crew chief Scott Zipadelli was interviewed by FOX Sports about keeping Heim focused during that particularly stressful time.
“You ever tease a caged tiger?” he asked with a smile.
Corey Heim chasing after fellow championship contenders Ty Majeski and Christian Eckes. (Photo: Ricky Martinez | The Podium Finish)
With 43 laps to go, Heim restarted 19th and quickly sliced his way through the field. With 27 laps to go and two more cautions under his belt, Heim made his way up to second.
It was all for naught for Heim as he did not have the truck to beat the dominant No. 98 of Majeski. Mired in second with a four-second gap between himself and Majeski, Heim said, “I’m stuck. I can’t get any closer.”
“It’s hard to even be upset,” Heim said post-race. “I mean, I almost did everything right except for that restart violation, but we were able to get our track position back pretty quick and make the most of it. I just had nothing for the 98 all day. He was so fast, but I’m just proud of myself for not driving through the fastest truck like I did last year by Hocevar.
“We’re going to move forward with our heads up high. Six-win season, career-highs for myself and my team, organization, everybody. Just one spot short of the championship.”
