The XPEL 225 certainly didn’t disappoint. In its fourth edition, the Truck Series race in Texas provided an entertaining end. After three years of dominance from Ford and Front Row Motorsports, Corey Heim finally ended their stellar run at the COTA.
On a day when Heim started second in the lineup, he capitalized on the opportunity with his sixth career victory. Not only that, the race turned out to be his second-ever road course win.
Corey Heim earns a deserving victory at the Circuit of the Americas in an eventful race
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It is no secret how Corey Heim has started the 2024 Truck Series impressively. After a runner-up finish at Daytona, the Tricon Garage driver finished in the top five two more times. While he finished sixth at Bristol Motor Speedway, COTA was a successful track for the 21-year-old.
Corey Heim wins at COTA! pic.twitter.com/3ee6jMlYMl
— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 23, 2024
Not only did Corey Heim win the XPEL 225, but he also did it in grand style. The #11 driver won the race after leading 31 of the 46 laps. While it truly speaks volumes of his domination, it was a win that was more than due. In fact, he took the checkered flag by a margin of 1.625 seconds.
Corey Heim was lucky to survive an overtime scramble after the race was forced into four extra laps. It all happened with a late caution resulting because of Marco Andretti’s rear-end housing breaking off. It was a new sight for many of the NASCAR veterans as well.
READ MORE – Ross Chastain Stranded in Scary Wreck as Corey Heim Claims First Stage Win of the Season at COTA
Heim will surely remember his first victory in Texas for a long time. Not only that, his teammate Taylor Gray finished second. All-in-all, it was a productive day in the Tricon Garage camp. Having said that, it was also a day to remember for debutant Connor Zilisch.
Connor Zilisch impresses after his first run in the Truck Series
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Trackhouse Racing signed Connor Zilisch as a development driver for 2024. After all, there are multiple reasons why Zilisch should be backed. He’s not only won the Rolex 24 and Sebring 12 in his first attempt but is also the first American to win the Karting Academy Trophy.
Not to forget, he’s just 17 years old and went on to win the pole in his first career Truck Series at COTA by 0.7 seconds. Despite having multiple technical issues, Zilisch finished P4 in his debut Truck Series race. Definitely, these are positive signs given his age and experience.
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A lesson to be learned for @ConnorZilisch in the first turn. 😳 pic.twitter.com/ccQDcoBGvn
— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) March 23, 2024
From here on, Zilisch is only bound to improve. While he learns more, he certainly can take some inspiration from Corey Heim after the 21-year-old’s dominant victory on Saturday.
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READ MORE – Unsure Corey Heim Claims Bristol Repave More Advantageous for Cup As He Unmasks Truck Series “Grip” Problem