Corey Heim snatched the Brickyard 400 victory, but he quickly admitted it was a “damn handful,” describing himself as “hanging on for dear life” as his car got really loose late in the race. Second-place finisher Christopher Bell, who stalked Heim for 35 laps, confirmed just how close it was, revealing he was waiting for “one bobble” that never came.
Heim’s ‘Workout’ Win: Aggression Was the Key
Heim didn’t mince words after crossing the finish line, calling his win a “dream come true” and “unbelievable.” He straight-up said it was the “hardest I’ve ever fought in my life” to focus on exits and keep the car in dirty air. Team 23XI’s pit crew and their Camry did a “fantastic job,” allowing Heim to execute and make “no mistakes all day.” But the critical moment came on the restart. Heim knew he “had to be aggressive” because it was “for the win.” He even conceded that Christopher Bell “has every right to be a little frustrated” with his move, but ultimately, Heim believes Bell “would have done the same thing.” A key factor? He got a “good push from Joey Logano” to get where he needed to be.
Bell’s Near Miss and Hamlin’s Restart Blame Game
Christopher Bell honestly didn’t think he’d even get a shot at Heim, but his crew kept telling him Heim’s car was getting loose. Bell knew his “only opportunity” would be a mistake. Heim “did a great job,” though, showing “excellent mental toughness” and nailing “35 really good laps.” For Bell, it was a “good second place,” especially after being “buried after qualifying,” making his run up the field a strategic victory thanks to Adam. Denny Hamlin, who finished fifth, offered a different take on the chaotic restarts. He felt “everyone’s trying to fight to win the race” and would take an inch if clear. Hamlin put more blame on Bell and Chase Briscoe for failing to “orchestrate good pushes,” leading to them getting “detached at the wrong time.” He cited a “shove so early” that didn’t let him get his car straight before taking off, contrasting it with Logano’s perfectly timed bump for Heim. Despite the frustration, Hamlin was “proud of 23XI overall” and the “part-time effort that Bootie and Corey put together,” acknowledging they are “most times at the racetrack, they’re the fastest car.” Carson Hocevar, finishing ninth, explained his day was hampered by an early caution that messed with his fuel strategy, forcing a four-tire change just to wait on fuel, though he did pass three cars.
Heim’s victory at the Brickyard, a race he called a “dream come true,” clearly wasn’t without its dramatic moments and lingering questions for his competitors. While Heim celebrates a hard-fought win, the strategic discussions and restart analysis will surely continue for Bell, Hamlin, and the rest of the field as they look ahead to the next challenge.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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