Trucks: Where Did He Come From? Corey Heim Powers Through GWC to Win at Darlington

What’s Happening?

The first green flag of the now unofficial throwback weekend at Darlington Raceway is officially in the books. Early on, it looked like the race was up for the taking, with no one truck looking to be the standout to dominate. In the opening stage, Kaden Honeycutt, Corey Heim, Christopher Bell, and Christian Eckes all led laps. And though in the second stage, it looked like Honeycutt may have some real competition as Ross Chastain passed him for the lead mid-way through the stage, Honeycutt proved to be the better long-run vehicle.

In the end, it was Corey Heim, taking advantage of several botched restarts and fresh Goodyear rubber, who went on to win the Buckle Up South Carolina 200. It marked his 24th career NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series win in his 91st start. With this win, he takes home a $50,000 check for winning the first race in the Triple Truck Challenge.

Too tough for some, but not for @CoreyHeim_!

He wins at @TooToughToTame! pic.twitter.com/D4cpODue4L

— NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Trucks (@NASCAR_Trucks) March 21, 2026

Post-Race Notes

• During the first stage, the race appeared to be anyone’s for the taking. While Kaden Honeycutt led the opening handful of laps from the pole, Corey Heim and Christopher Bell wasted little time overtaking the young up-and-comer for the first and second positions. The veterans faded in time, however, with Heim’s old series rival, Christian Eckes, overtaking them both late to lead the final four laps and win the stage.
• There were a couple of incidents in Stage 1. First, Ben Rhodes smacked the wall on Lap 3, causing damage to his No. 99 Thorsport Ford. Then, on Lap 14, William Sawalich went for a solo spin.
• Kaden Honeycutt brought the field to the green flag to kick off Stage 2. And it looked, at first, like it was going to be similar to the first stage as Honeycutt faded nearing the halfway point in the stage, relinquishing the lead to Ross Chastain. He powered back in the end, though, having the superior long-run car. Honeycutt went on to capture his 4th career stage win and his first for the 2026 season.
• The following drivers earned stage points throughout the race: Kaden Honeycutt (19), Christian Eckes (16), Ty Majeski (13), Layne Riggs (10), Tyler Ankrum (4), Tanner Gray (2), Jake Garcia (2), and Daniel Hemrick (1).
• After a jumbled restart with 20 laps to go, Kaden Honeycutt got into the fence, allowing for Cup Series regulars Carson Hocevar and Ross Chastain to pounce. The No. 77 was through to the race lead with Chastain at a fairly safe distance behind him. Further back still were the regulars of Eckes and Honeycutt, with Corey Heim behind them. As the laps ran down, Honeycutt saw a win slip away as he was held up by Eckes and the two leaders extended their lead. The caution flew once more when Carson Hocevar, who broke something on the bottom of his Spire Chevy, slapped the wall and spun from the race lead.
• Green, white, checkered finish. Second attempt after a pileup in the second half of the field. Ross Chastain led the field to the restart line to take the green. Honeycutt got a slow start, allowing Ross Chastain to jump out to the lead and take the white flag. Corey Heim, on fresh tires, powered up to 2nd place and past Ross Chastain on the last lap to win the race in a thrilling finish.
• Clocking the Xfinity Fastest Lap bonus point was Kaden Honeycutt.

"Drove the crap out of it and it worked out."

24th career @NASCAR_Trucks win for Corey Heim! He talks with Ricky @StenhouseJr after an incredible Darlington finish. https://t.co/k9Qg0w9XmZ pic.twitter.com/i48L35kjUx

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) March 21, 2026

Caution Tracker

• Lap 3: Ben Rhodes slaps the wall
• Lap 14: William Sawalich goes for a spin
• Lap 45: Stage 1 Break
• Lap 56: Debris
• Lap 90: Stage 2 Break
• Lap 121: Layne Riggs and Ty Majeski make contact
• Lap 144: Carson Hocevar spins
• Lap 150: Tyler Ankrum

Official Results

Points Standings (4 of 18)

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