NASCAR driver Corey Heim saw a strong run end in a crash late in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway on Friday night. Heim was fighting Christian Eckes for the lead during a restart when the incident happened. Heim moved ahead after using his bumper in the corner, but seconds later, contact from Eckes sent his truck into the outside wall.
The crash collected Kaden Honeycutt and Layne Riggs, raising a red flag. NASCAR driver Corey Heim had been in a position to compete for the Triple Truck Challenge bonus. The wreck ended his race and removed him from that opportunity in a matter of moments.
NASCAR Driver Corey Heim was caught in a Late Restart Crash
NASCAR driver Corey Heim and Eckes raced hard for the lead on a late restart. Heim used the bumper to move ahead through the corner, a common move at Bristol. As they exited the turn, Eckes made contact with Heim’s right rear. The contact turned Heim’s truck into the outside wall at high speed.
The crash triggered a chain reaction behind them. Honeycutt and Riggs were among the drivers caught in the incident. NASCAR officials stopped the race with a red flag so safety crews could clear the track and check on everyone involved.
The damage to Heim’s truck was heavy. NASCAR driver Corey Heim could not continue after the impact, ending his race despite running near the front for most of the night. His truck came to a stop with visible damage, and his team’s strong performance ended there.
Corey Heim Explains What He Saw after the Incident
After being checked at the infield care center, Heim spoke about the crash and what led up to it. He described how the battle developed and how quickly things changed.
“Just wrapped up. Those two raced each other really hard back when they were full-time together, and unfortunately, it trickled down to us. They got into it and wrecked a really good truck. Definitely hate that it happened, but we’ll come back and go to Texas.”
Heim said he did not clearly see the first contact but reacted to what he saw from the trucks ahead.
“I never actually saw the initial contact, but when I saw the 91 shoot up, I figured Christian didn’t just blow the corner on purpose. I assumed the 1 got into him, but I wasn’t really sure. Then I guess they made contact again on the restart.”
Heim added that he was focused on making his own move at the time.
“I wasn’t even paying attention to them at that point. I was just trying to get by on top of the 62,” he said. “But it looks like they hit each other again and ended up against the wall.”
Crash Ends Triple Truck, Challenge Chance
The crash also ended a major opportunity for Heim. He had been in a position to compete for the $500,000 Triple Truck Challenge bonus in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
With the damage from the incident, Heim could not return to the race. NASCAR driver Corey Heim lost his chance at both the win and the bonus in the same moment. The setback came after he had run up front and showed strong pace throughout the event.
Heim confirmed he was not injured but expressed disappointment with how the race ended.
“I’m fine. Just disappointed, for sure,” he said.
The race resumed after track crews cleared the wreckage. Heim’s team will now shift focus to the next race in Texas, looking to recover after a night that ended earlier than expected.
NASCAR Driver Corey Heim Reacts After Late Bristol Motor Speedway Moment Raises Questions