Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman / USA TODAY NETWORK

Corey Heim wins XPEL 225 at COTA in overtime finish

Originally posted on 5 GOATs | By Jonathan Howard | Last updated 3/23/24

This NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at COTA was exciting! Corey Heim led 30 laps on his way to his first win of the season. Heim is now ready to chase that championship that he missed out on in 2023.

This race was all about Connor Zilisch before the green flag. However, a Lap 1, Turn 1 mistake made Zilisch’s day hell. Meanwhile, Corey Heim showed how a few years experience can make a difference.

Heim was clean all day when other drivers couldn’t keep their fenders to themselves. Heim is a talented driver and this might be the start of a hot streak for the Truck Series regular. Six career wins for Heim in the trucks.

Marco Andretti gave Heim a scare by causing the caution that led to overtime. Andretti lost his entire rear housing on the track.

Corey Heim wins at COTA! pic.twitter.com/3ee6jMlYMl
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 23, 2024

So far this season, Corey Heim has yet to finish worse than P6. This win today gives him his fourth top-3 finish of the year in just five races. Even with a talent like Zilisch in the field, Heim kept his cool and did what he does best. Last season, Heim only failed to finish in the top-10 on three occasions. So far this year, he’s doing even better.

Corey Heim might be poised for historic season

Looking at how consistent and prolific Heim was in 2023, it is wild to think that his 2024 might be even better. His average finish this season is 3.0 and he has had speed at every track so far this season.

Tricon Garage has a lot going on with five different teams. They know that they have a special talent with Corey Heim, though. What he has done in the Truck Series cannot be overlooked. He even has Cup Series drivers and team owners like Denny Hamlin singing his praises.

I think with his added races in the Xfinity Series as well as his simulator work for 23XI Racing and Legacy Motor Club, Corey Heim is only going to get better. He has shown that his road course skills have drastically improved.

This is the only road course this season for the Truck Series. Corey Heim gets to say that he is the one who won it. Heim also won the Mid-Ohio race last year, making this his second Truck Series road course win in a row.

This article first appeared on 5 GOATs and was syndicated with permission.

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