NASCAR

NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fans Respond To Corey Heim Overcoming Elements, Claiming Ecosave 200 At Las Vegas Motor Speedway

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By
Jeff Hawkins
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Jeff Hawkins Sports Editor

Jeff Hawkins is an award-winning sportswriter with more than four decades in the industry, in both print and digital media. He joined the Sportscasting team in 2021 following a decade of freelancing. He spent his early career as a reporter for various newspapers in Illinois, New York, Florida, North Carolina, and Michigan, with a particular emphasis as a beat reporter for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in journalism from Oakland University. Over the course of his career he earned several sports writing awards, including two national awards from the Associated Press Sports Editors for column writing and news reporting. One of the five prized columns included a commentary on NASCAR's increasing corporate influences, particularly in northern racetracks — commentary which you might find Jeff building on as part of the Motorsports writing team at Sportscasting now.  

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Published15 Mar 2025

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truck las vegas winter race start (1)

Entering Friday night’s return of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, playoff-bound Corey Heim led only seven laps. Only one of those rotations came during green-flag racing.  

In the circuit’s third event this season, Heim paced the field for 42 laps, overcoming a Stage 1 speeding penalty, two red-flag rain delays and a strong, disruptive wind to claim the Ecosave 200 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. 

Twice, the pit crew helped the No. 11 Toyota to the front off pit stops. The second time came with 48 laps to go. Heim was credited with passing more than 40 drivers to earn his second win this season.  

“Incredible pit stops … thank you, boys,” Heim said on his team radio.  

At 22 years old, Heim remains the youngest driver to compile more than 12 wins.  

X (Twitter) users responded to the elements that extended Friday night’s event in the desert. The Truck Series event generally breezes by … 

Previously on the Truck tour, before taking a two-week hiatus … 

Getting the circuit fired up again Friday night … 

Going green in Las Vegas as Justin Haley went from P4 to the front over the initial 1.5 miles … 

Ty Majeski, who let last year’s race get away from him, battled Corey Day, who got loose along Turn 3, to claim the advantage on Lap 17 …  

 Majeski earned the Stage 1 win as light rain began to fall. It was his first 10-pointer of the season …

With the leader pitting on Lap 32, Heim came out third, but was flagged for speeding on pit road. Heim dropped to the rear of the field … 

A rainy red flag in the desert … 

Kyle Larson, rain-delay entertainment … 

Back to work … 

Tyler Ankrum, who overtook Ben Rhodes for the lead after the red flag restart, cruised to a Stage 2 win …

Matt Crafton’s team was busted for making unapproved adjustments during the delay. Crafton competed in his 200th circuit event … 

Red flag II …

Heim recovered from a poor start. After running just two practice laps, the No. 11 Toyota experienced electrical issues. Heim later recorded the Group A’s fastest qualifying lap and led the field during the second rain-delay restart  … 

Dominating the third stage, Heim earned career win No. 13 in a race that featured 12 leaders and 21 lead chances, both track records …