Corey Heim of Tricon Garage showcased remarkable skill and speed during Friday night’s NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Charlotte Motor Speedway, tying John Hunter Nemechek’s record for most stage wins through the first 11 races of a season. Heim secured victories in both Stage 1 and Stage 2, bringing his total stage wins this year to eight, a feat previously achieved only by Nemechek in 2021 while driving for Kyle Busch Motorsports.
Impressive Performance Highlights Heim’s Season Dominance
The 21-year-old driver from Georgia did not just match a record; he dominated the race by leading 72 of the 134 laps and maintaining control throughout the final stage. This victory marked Heim’s third win in the 2025 season and reinforced his lead in the regular-season standings.
Behind the wheel of the No. 11 Toyota Tundra, Heim has demonstrated unmatched consistency, having more top-five finishes than any other competitor and finishing outside the top 10 only once this year.
I felt like we’ve had the speed the last couple years here, but circumstances haven’t let us get it done,
Heim said after his victory.
Obviously, it was such a good truck. I had to execute on my part. The pit crew did a great job. Just a really nice, clean day. … It feels great. It feels like we’ve had a lot of opportunities to do that this year, really. Just can’t say enough about these guys. My team gave me a great Tundra, and we just really checked all of the boxes tonight. It feels great,
he added.
Context of Heim’s Record-Tying Achievement
Winning both stages in the Charlotte race allowed Heim to catch a record that had long been considered difficult to surpass in the Truck Series’ stage-racing era. After Stage 1, Heim had already won seven stages, and his success in Stage 2 brought him level with Nemechek’s eight stage wins through 11 races.
Nemechek’s dominant 2021 season was a benchmark for excellence, but Heim’s balanced approach in 2025—combining stage wins with actual race victories and steady finishes—is equally impressive. His steady ascent began after his first Truck Series win in 2022, progressing to a full-time driver in 2023, and now positioning him as a top contender for the championship this season.
Heim Positioned as a Leading Contender for the Championship
Corey Heim’s ability to perform consistently across stages and close races convincingly has frustrated competitors and placed him among the strongest drivers in the Truck Series championship chase. As the season moves toward its summer segment, all eyes will remain on Heim to see if he can break Nemechek’s longstanding record and further distinguish himself from the pack.
