Corey Heim Reflects on Connor Zilisch's Most Embarrassing Victory Lane Moment
Corey Heim has come a long way since November 2023, when he had a strong chance to win the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series title. With 3 trophies, 12 top fives, and 19 top tens, Heim was focused and determined. However, a jaw-dropping incident with Carson Hocevar cost him that opportunity. Two years later, Heim can laugh about that embarrassing moment and even share a laugh with others, like Connor Zilisch, when discussing their most humiliating victory lane mishaps.
The 2025 NASCAR season has seen Connor Zilisch rise to prominence in the Xfinity Series. The 19-year-old has dominated his rivals, securing 10 trophies so far. Amidst his success, there was a comical moment that left Corey Heim in stitches.
Corey Heim Points Out His Xfinity Rival's Embarrassment
Technically, Corey Heim should be laughing at his Truck Series rival, Layne Riggs. The Tricon Garage driver has been exceptional in 2025, winning 10 trophies and having a strong shot at the Championship 4. However, Riggs has been a constant challenge, sending Heim's No. 11 spinning at North Wilkesboro and outsmarting him at Indianapolis and Bristol. Despite this, Heim didn't choose Riggs for his most embarrassing moment.
Instead, Corey Heim highlighted Connor Zilisch's embarrassing moment at Watkins Glen earlier this season. During the 6th victory of the season, Zilisch slipped and fell from his car at Victory Lane, breaking his collarbone. He had to undergo surgery and share a ride with Parker Kligerman in Daytona. Heim humorously stated, 'Connor's moment was harder to hide, so I'd say that's my pick for the most embarrassing.'
Zilisch, in turn, praised Heim's handling of a similar situation. In August 2024, Layne Riggs won the Milwaukee Mile race but dislocated his shoulder while celebrating. Heim shared insights on Riggs' mishap, saying, 'Layne was a trooper. No one knew until he mentioned it, and it seemed like no big deal, but then he had to get surgery.'
However, Corey Heim isn't the only one to mock Connor Zilisch's blunder. Social media fans and even Zilisch's father, Jim Zilisch, joined in the laughter. After the incident, Zilisch received quick medical attention, and his father had a witty joke, posting, 'Silver lining: Pooping himself is no longer his most embarrassing moment.'
Despite their playful banter, Corey Heim and Connor Zilisch share a common thread on the racetrack: toppling former legends' records.
Setting New Standards of Excellence
Corey Heim is the standout performer in 2025, breaking Greg Biffle's nine-win record from 1999 after winning his 10th trophy at the Charlotte Roval. Connor Zilisch is also making history, with 10 wins this Xfinity season, matching a small group of predecessors. In 1983, Sam Ard won 10 trophies in 35 Xfinity starts, and in 2010, Kyle Busch won 13 times in Xfinity while competing full-time in the Cup Series. These drivers are shining stars, but their worth extends beyond record-breaking.
The playoff era has significantly changed the landscape. NASCAR now limits teams' choices, including gears, suspensions, and engine changes after qualifying. This has reduced individual innovation and increased parity among drivers. The cars are more equal, making passing even more challenging due to evolving aerodynamic designs. As a result, it's less likely for one driver to dominate with an inordinate number of wins. Corey Heim and Connor Zilisch's dominant seasons are all the more remarkable for this reason.
With the season finales approaching, the excitement is palpable. Let's see if Connor Zilisch and Corey Heim can finish the year with a bang, leaving their rivals in awe.
