The high banks of Bristol Motor Speedway take center stage this Friday night for the Tennessee National Guard 250. As the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season intensifies, all eyes are on the “World’s Fastest Half-Mile” for a showdown that carries both financial and championship implications.
By Andy DeLay – Staff Writer
Corey Heim: Chasing the Triple Truck Challenge Sweep
Corey Heim enters Bristol as the man with the largest target on his back. After dominant performances in the first two challenge races, Heim has a chance to secure the final $250,000 bonus of the Triple Truck Challenge.
While his bank account may see a boost, his championship outlook remains bleak. Heim is currently mathematically tied for the points lead, yet he remains ineligible for the regular-season title because he hasn’t competed in every Truck Series event this season. NASCAR’s participation requirements currently block him from officially contending for the championship.
Movers and Shakers
While Heim grabs the headlines, Kaden Honeycutt is the breakout story of 2026. Tied with Heim at 190 points, Honeycutt has used consistency to prove that he belongs at the front of the field. Meanwhile, Layne Riggs continues to show the speed that made him a preseason favorite, sitting just 11 points back.
Watch for Ty Majeski and Chandler Smith this Friday. Both drivers historically excel at high-braking, high-downforce short tracks. Majeski, in particular, is desperate for a win to solidify his playoff positioning as we head into the summer months.
Top 5 in Points: The Breakdown
The battle at the top is the tightest we’ve seen in years. Here is how the leaders stack up heading into Bristol:
| Position | Driver | Points | Notes |
| 1 | Corey Heim | 190 | 2 Wins; Ineligible for championship lead due to missed starts. |
| 2 | Kaden Honeycutt | 190 | The official points leader; 0 wins but highest average finish. |
| 3 | Layne Riggs | 179 | 1 Win; The strongest challenger to the top two. |
| 4 | Chandler Smith | 173 | 1 Win; Looking to bridge the 17-point gap to the lead. |
| 5 | Ty Majeski | 168 | 0 Wins; Bristol is a big opportunity for the #88 team. |
Image Credit: Julian Wayne/ SFM