Corey Heim has surpassed Kyle Busch to become the all-time leader in NASCAR Truck Series stage wins, marking a significant milestone in the sport’s current era. This achievement, reached during a recent stage at a Truck Series race, highlights Heim’s rising prominence and consistency at just 23 years old, signaling a shift in the competitive landscape of NASCAR’s Truck division.
The emergence of Heim as a top contender comes amid the ongoing evolution of the Truck Series, particularly since the introduction of stage racing in 2017, which rewards drivers for performance throughout multiple parts of a race rather than just the final result. Kyle Busch, a long-standing figure in the series known for his multiple records and championships, held the previous record for stage wins until Heim’s recent breakthrough.
Corey Heim Sets New Benchmark for Stage Victories
During Stage 1 of a recent NASCAR Truck Series event, Corey Heim claimed his 36th career stage win, overtaking Kyle Busch’s 35 wins that had stood since 2016. This accomplishment reflects Heim’s ability to consistently compete at the front across various track types, including short tracks, intermediate circuits, and superspeedways.
Heim’s rise has been characterized by back-to-back regular-season championships in 2023 and 2025, underscoring his sustained performance and strategic racing. His record-breaking stage win count demonstrates his capacity to maintain strong track position and capitalize on opportunities to score important points throughout races, a crucial aspect of the modern Truck Series format.
Highlighting this milestone, motorsport journalist Jeff Gluck tweeted,
“Corey Heim passes Kyle Busch for the most stage wins in Truck Series history (2016-present).”
This quote underscores the significance of Heim’s achievement relative to Busch’s previously unmatched consistency in stage racing.
Kyle Busch’s career includes 12 stage sweeps and eight occasions where he not only won all stages but also secured the overall race victory, benchmarks that have defined his dominance. Heim’s comparable, though still growing, tally includes nine stage sweeps and four sweep-plus-race wins, positioning him as a serious challenger to Busch’s legacy in the Truck Series.
Contrasting Career Trajectories of Heim and Busch
While Corey Heim represents the new wave of talent specializing in Truck Series competition, Kyle Busch’s career in recent years has seen less frequent participation in the series, partially due to part-time racing schedules and some missed opportunities in major Cup events. Despite these challenges, Busch’s overall career achievements, spanning the Truck, Xfinity, and Cup Series, remain highly respected.
The shift in stage wins signifies more than just a change in leaderboards; it illustrates the generational handover occurring within NASCAR. Heim’s achievements reflect an increased focus on strategic racing under the stage format and hint at a future where younger drivers redefine dominance in the sport’s national tiers.
At just 23, Heim’s continued success could see him challenge records not only within the Truck Series but also in NASCAR’s broader national competitions. His steady accumulation of stage wins and race victories positions him as a likely future face of the series, while Busch’s legacy sets the bar that emerging drivers aim to surpass.
Ongoing Challenges Surrounding Kyle Busch’s Reputation
Alongside these competitive developments, Kyle Busch’s reputation has recently faced scrutiny due to an incident involving his former Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin. During a Bristol race, a wheel detached from Hamlin’s car, causing a crash with driver AJ Allmendinger. This event triggered an investigation into potential team rule violations concerning pit crew operations and safety procedures.
The Bristol incident has placed a spotlight on team responsibilities and regulatory compliance in NASCAR. Though Busch was not directly involved in the mishap, his connection to Joe Gibbs Racing draws attention to how lapses in team management can affect the reputations of veteran drivers. Experts observe that such operational errors, resulting in penalties, can impact race outcomes and championship pursuits, linking individual driver standing with overall team conduct.
This situation emphasizes the fine balance NASCAR drivers must maintain between personal performance and adherence to team protocols. Although Busch’s extensive career remains impressive, the ongoing inquiry highlights the vulnerabilities drivers face when affiliated teams encounter compliance issues. The final ruling from NASCAR will be closely watched, as it may affect both the team’s future operations and Busch’s public perception.
The Future of the Truck Series Amid Rising Stars and Competitive Pressures
Corey Heim’s record-setting success signals a potential turning point in the NASCAR Truck Series, where a younger generation is poised to redefine competitive benchmarks. Heim’s strong performance, combined with strategic excellence in stage racing, illustrates the increasing importance of versatility and consistency across multiple race segments.
As Heim continues to build on his record, the Truck Series may see intensified competition among up-and-coming drivers eager to challenge established veterans. Meanwhile, Kyle Busch’s ongoing career and recent team-related controversies serve as a reminder of the challenges veteran drivers face in maintaining dominance amid evolving standards and younger challengers.
The dynamic between rising talent like Heim and established figures such as Busch enhances the appeal of the Truck Series, ensuring that fans and stakeholders remain engaged with the sport’s unfolding narrative. Heim’s achievements contribute to an exciting era, promising fresh rivalries and milestones in the seasons ahead.
.@CoreyHeim_ wins Stage 1, that is his 36th career Stage win in the @NASCAR_Trucks Series, the most all-time in Series history.#NASCAR | #TeamEJP175 | #NASCARPlayoffs | @jeff_gluck pic.twitter.com/CfeVVDaSl4
— Seth Eggert (@SethEggert91) September 20, 2025
Corey Heim passes Kyle Busch for the most stage wins in Truck Series history (2016-present). https://t.co/oouVTKmawq
— Jeff Gluck (@jeff_gluck) September 20, 2025
