INDIANAPOLIS – Playoff drama in NASCAR is nothing short of consistent headline news.
With one race remaining in the regular season of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, we may be already seeing that drama unfold.
Two separate incidents on Lap 87 brought out the caution as Conor Daly threw sparks from the front of his Chevrolet Silverado. Also, Corey Heim had heavy damage from the left front of his Toyota Tundra. Heim, one of the favorites for the championship this year, quickly showed his displeasure with Christian Eckes, current points leader for the Truck series. It was later discovered the two made contact after tight racing off of Turn 2 earlier in the event.
Heim was able to stay on the lead lap and visit pit road where his crew made repairs to his truck.
During the rest of Stage 2, Heim was able to climb all the way to second. However, Eckes swept both stage wins.
The final stage did not go in Heim’s favor as he dropped to 17th. Eckes, after leading the most laps, finished second to Ty Majeski. From his stage wins, Eckes earned the most points compared to the rest of the field.
After the race, Heim walked up to Eckes’ truck to discuss the incident and share his viewpoint.
“I basically had to turn away from the wall to not knock the fence down,” Heim shared with reporters after his discussion with Eckes. “There was minimal contact, but it was detrimental to our night, so I wanted to talk to him about it. I don’t think he intended to but I feel like he’s always raced me pretty tight, so I told him to just have some common courtesy and give me an extra lane next time.
“He said okay so we’ll move on.”
Eckes had a different viewpoint but understood the frustration that Heim portrayed.
“He’s got a right to be mad,” Eckes shared with Fox Sports after the race. “I just misjudged the straightaway. He acted like I went to the wall, but I didn’t. I tried to leave a lane. I just misjudged it on my end. If it’s on me, I apologize to the 11 guys. I’d be mad too.
Overall, proud of the NAPA Autocare Chevrolet team. I think we were a second-place truck, and we finished second tonight. Good execution on that end and we’ll move on to Richmond.”
The final race of the regular season will be on August 10 at Richmond Raceway. Eckes holds a commanding 50 point lead over Heim for the regular season title.