Corey Heim’s Actions in Craftsman Truck Series Finale Result in Penalty

NASCAR officials announced behavioral penalties against Corey Heim, a driver in the Craftsman Truck Series, in response to his actions during the season-ending race at Phoenix Raceway last weekend.

Heim received a fine of $12,500 and a 25-point deduction in the Truck Series driver standings. These penalties were applied in accordance with NASCAR Rule Book Sections 4.4.B & D, which pertain to the NASCAR Member Code of Conduct.

During the season finale on Friday night, Heim was involved in two incidents. The first incident occurred when Heim’s No. 11 Tricon Garage Toyota spun out after being bumped by Carson Hocevar’s No. 42 Chevrolet on Lap 120. Later, just 27 laps after the initial incident, Heim’s truck made contact with Hocevar’s as they exited Turn 2.

In post-race interviews, Heim claimed that he had lost control of his damaged truck while Hocevar attempted to pass him. However, NASCAR officials conducted a review of the No. 11 team’s radio transmissions and concluded that Heim had violated the member guidelines in three specific areas of the rule book:

1. Attempting to manipulate the outcome of the race or championship.
2. Wrecking or spinning another vehicle, whether or not that vehicle is removed from competition as a result.
3. Engaging in actions that compromise the safety of an event or pose a dangerous risk to the safety of competitors, officials, spectators, or others.

As a result of the second altercation, Hocevar was forced out of the race and finished in 29th place out of 36 trucks. Heim, who had started from the pole position, continued and finished the race on the lead lap in 18th place.

These results positioned Heim in third place among the four drivers eligible for the championship title, with Ben Rhodes claiming the championship and Heim holding an 11-point advantage over Hocevar. However, due to the points penalty, Heim dropped to fourth place in the final Craftsman Truck Series standings, trailing Hocevar.

Photo courtesy of NASCAR