Trackin’ Trucks: Corey Heim Wins at Daytona

Credit: James Gilbert

Corey Heim was declared the winner of the Fresh from Florida 250 at Daytona International Speedway on Friday night, but his celebration was quite different than one would expect to see at the famous race track.

Heim was running second in the final laps behind Parker Kligerman and was well on his way to a good points day despite coming up short from the victory. However, an hour after crossing the checkered finish line, NASCAR officials announced that the No. 75 Chevrolet of Kligerman had failed post-race inspection for improper height measurements.

Heim was declared the winner.

Heim’s victory marks his first at Daytona and the 12th of his career. He expressed his condolences for Kligerman and his team, despite being able to take advantage of their misfortunes.

“Well, it’s my first time having this kind of scenario happening either way, so certainly glad to be on the right side of it,” Heim said. “It sucks for Parker and those guys.

“It seemed like they put themselves in a position at the right time to win the race, but obviously, there is another level to it after the race. Grateful to be in the spot to take advantage of that.”

Immediately after the race, Heim described the experience. "Nothing short of crazy there the last 20 laps,” Heim said. “Honestly, pretty impressed with everyone that we kept it straight for as long as we did. They piled it up a little bit on the last lap. Compared to last year, it was such a big upgrade as far as the quality of racing.

“Definitely was out of control there at the end, being three-wide middle on old tires, being free.”

Sunoco Rookie of the Year contender Giovanni Ruggiero was promoted to a runner-up finish in his Truck Series debut, while reigning series champion Ty Majeski finished in the third position.

Grant Enfinger finished fourth after recovering from a pit road speeding penalty, while Justin Haley rounded out the top-five finishers.

Chandler Smith finished sixth after leading a race-high 34 laps, but was shuffled back late in the race. Daniel Hemric finished seventh, while Jason White, William Sawalich, and Rookie of the Year contender Franke Muniz earned eighth through 10th place respectively.


A Look Ahead

The Craftsman Truck Series heads to Atlanta, Georgia next Saturday for the FR8 208 at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Kyle Busch earned the victory one year ago, while Majeski finished second and Heim finished third.

Who will win this year’s race? Find out by tuning into Saturday’s race at 1:30 p.m. ET on Fox Sports 1.