In a thrilling display of skill and determination, 21-year-old Corey Heim secured his fifth victory of the season in the CRC Brakleen 175 at Pocono Raceway on Friday evening. The race, which was interrupted by rain, saw Heim lead an impressive 55 out of 70 laps and sweep both stages.
Driving the No. 11 Tricon Garage Toyota, Heim faced stiff competition and challenging weather conditions throughout the event. The young Georgian crossed the finish line 0.867 seconds ahead of Grant Enfinger’s Chevrolet, showcasing his ability to maintain composure under pressure.
The race was not without its dramatic moments. With only nine laps remaining, rain began to fall, particularly in Turn 2 of the 2.5-mile track. This led to a caution flag and eventually a red-flag stoppage that lasted just over 10 minutes. After a brief return to the track, the drivers were once again brought to pit road as the rain intensified.
Despite the weather-related interruptions, NASCAR had predetermined that the race would be considered official at 8:20 p.m. ET, regardless of circumstances. Fortunately, the sun emerged for the final restart, allowing the race to reach its full distance.
Heim’s victory, his 10th career win, solidifies his position as a top contender in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. He credited his success to the strong bond with his crew chief, Scott Zipadelli, and the dedication of his team.
Grant Enfinger’s second-place finish equals his best result of the year and strengthens his position in the playoff standings. Christian Eckes, who started on pole and led the opening 11 laps, finished third, extending his impressive streak of 12 consecutive top-10 finishes.
The race also featured notable performances from Taylor Gray and NASCAR Cup Series regular Ross Chastain, who rounded out the top five.
With only two races remaining before the 2024 playoffs begin, the competition for playoff spots remains intense. Daniel Dye currently holds a slim one-point advantage over Tanner Gray for the final playoff position.
The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series now moves to Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park for the TSport 200 on Friday, where drivers will continue their quest for championship glory.
Image: Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images
