The pulse-pounding excitement of the 2023 NASCAR Truck Series Phoenix finale is palpable, with tensions soaring as the Craftsman Truck Series 2023 edges towards a dramatic close. Amidst the fierce competition, all four championship contenders were executing strategic maneuvers to surpass their rivals. Even those not vying for the championship displayed an intense desire to triumph in the race.

However, what truly sent the crowd into a frenzy was a shocking development that rattled the standings. Corey Heim, a frontrunner for the crown, saw his aspirations careen off course when he clashed with Carson Hocevar, the rising star set to join Spire Motorsports in the Cup Series. This unexpected twist left fans, spectators, and even the commentators astir as the battle for supremacy took an unforeseen turn.

With just 30 laps remaining, the race took a breathtaking turn

Carson Hocevar was skillfully navigating within the top 10, as Corey Heim, the most anticipated victor of the 2023 NASCAR Truck Series, dominated in 2nd place, steering the front-runners. Remarkably, Heim clinched victory in Stage 2, showcasing resilience after a strong but second-place finish in Stage 1.

Having delved a tad too far into the pit box, Corey Heim encountered an unforeseen delay—the jack required a second pump on the left side, which cost him a precious position on pit road. Following this hiccup, the stakes rose during the 100th lap restart: Corey Heim, who had led at the stage break, found himself restarting from the 18th spot, turning up the heat for a challenging climb back to the top.

In the climactic final stage, the regular-season champion overtook Carson Hocevar, seizing the fifth position with a mere 31 laps left to the chequered flag, setting the stage for a thrilling race conclusion. This put Heim in the championship lead.

Heim, driving for Tricon Garage, was sent into a tailspin, dropping from 5th place and narrowly avoiding a collision with Stewart Friesen—a stroke of fortune that kept him from slamming into the wall and possibly ending his race day—but now he was down to 27th.

The incident triggered a caution, necessitating a pit stop for Heim to equip fresh tires and conduct repairs on his rear fender. Unfortunately, this turn of events spelled disaster for Friesen’s evening. Was Hocevar’s contact a calculated move or a racing misjudgment? The bump could have been an aggressive push for position, but intentions remain unclear.

Watch This Story: Double Trouble for Ty Gibbs as Carson Hocevar Follows in Joey Logano’s Footsteps

The aftermath saw Hocevar, visibly shaken and brimming with regret inside his truck, grappling with the consequences of the clash. In a move reflecting his turmoil, he relinquished 18 spots, a self-imposed penalty stemming from his role in the mishap with Heim. This act of contrition left the crowd and competitors alike in a state of suspense as the race hurtled towards its climactic conclusion.

Corey Heim exacted his measure of retribution on Carson Hocevar

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It was the 147th lap, with the final laps ticking down, when Carson Hocevar closed in on Corey Heim for the 10th position. Sensing Hocevar on his tail, Heim made a decisive move to the right, propelling Hocevar into the wall as a counterstrike for an earlier clash.

The collision wreaked havoc, involving both their trucks and entangling Taylor Gray, who veered sharply to evade the unfolding chaos. This tumultuous turn of events escalated the race’s intensity, thrusting it into overtime and leaving only Grant Enfinger and Ben Rhodes in the fray for the championship. Hocevar’s race came to an abrupt end, relegating him to a 29th-place finish. Meanwhile, Heim was relegated to an extensive pit stop, with his crew frantically working to mend the damage.

Read More: Carson Hocevar’s Championship Chase Cut Short As Corey Heim Retaliation Wipes Out Upcoming Spire Motorsports Star

This pivotal moment precipitated the caution that would eventually prolong the race, leading to an adrenaline-fueled multi-truck crash overtime showdown.