In a Nutshell
It only took 24 hours, but the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series was somehow able to squeeze all 250 laps in its annual trip to North Wilkesboro Speedway.
However, Corey Heim still managed to prevail over them all, taking home his third win of the year in Wilkes County.
Don’t underestimate the 24 hours, either. Weather forced NASCAR to suspend the race on Saturday (May 18) after 81 laps due to lightning. Rain began to fall, however, and a lot of it fell for a long time.
The rain was so bad that the drainage at North Wilkesboro couldn’t keep up, and eventually turn 1 and the exit of pit road were completely submerged underwater.
When the race resumed Sunday morning (May 19), the sun was out and the track was dry — perfect conditions for Heim to take the lead on lap 186 and never look back.
The Top Truckers at North Wilkesboro Speedway
Winner, Most Laps Led (66 of 250 laps): Corey Heim
Polesitter: Christian Eckes
Stage 1 Winner: Ty Majeski
Stage 2 Winner: Tyler Ankrum
Biggest Mover: Sammy Smith (started 31st, finished fifth)
Rookie of the Race: Layne Riggs and Brenden Queen
Top Storylines of the Race
- While 38 trucks originally entered the race, only 37 showed up. Justin Carroll revealed on Facebook Thursday (May 16) that he would withdraw from the race. Carroll said that on Wednesday (May 15), he was so sick he went to the emergency room. Despite feeling better Thursday, he still didn’t feel well enough to make the trip from Virginia. Carroll and his No. 90 team will attempt their third race of the year at Charlotte Motor Speedway. He was also due to run the CARS Tour Late Model Stock Car race at North Wilkesboro on Wednesday, but likely backed out for said reason — not that it mattered, as the race was rained out and postponed.
- Since 37 trucks showed up, one driver had to go home after qualifying. Unfortunately, qualifying was rained out (like many other events over the week) and the field was set by the metric. Unfortunately, Aric Almirola, attempting his first Truck Series start since 2012, and Hattori Racing Enterprises, attempting its first start since 2023, were the unlucky group to miss out on racing at North Wilkesboro.
- If I had a nickel for every restart violation committed in this race, I’d have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot, but it’s weird that it happened twice. Sammy Smith had to serve a pass-through penalty at the very start of the race after a restart violation on the…
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