 To jumpstart his 2019 ARCA Racing Series season, newcomer Corey Heim (@coreyheim3) recently participated in an aggressive test with his Chad Bryant Racing team at Five Flags (Fla.) Speedway in preparation for his series debut at the historic short track on March 9, 2019.
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Under the direction of championship crew chief Paul Andrews, Heim spent the day aggressively working on setups and “feel” aboard his No. 22 Ford Fusion. In addition to adjustments, the team worked on comfort, restarts, pit stop simulations and more.
“We had a very productive day of testing,” said Corey Heim who will compete in all the short track events and the two dirt races for the organization next year.
“The team made sure I was very comfortable behind the wheel – before we aggressively started working on setup, handling, tires and more.
“It was a day full of learning and inhaling a wealth of knowledge from the team. I was pretty happy with our lap times and I believe Paul and Chad have a good feeling about next year.”
Chad Bryant, a championship winning ARCA crew chief turned ARCA owner said Heim exceeded the team’s expectations at the test.
“Corey was able to pick up on everything so quick,” Bryant said. “I was impressed with his feedback, questions and his willingness to absorb the information that was being given to him. Our lap times were very strong and consistent, and I feel like we should be able to go back to the track next year and have a successful debut.”
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Bryant will return with his new driver at the Pensacola, Fla. short track this week as Heim will attempt to compete in the prestigious Snowflakes 100 and Snowball Derby on Sat., Dec. 1 and Sun., Dec. 2 respectively.
An accomplished short track racer, the 16-year-old hopes to turn heads and compete for his first Tom Dawson trophy aboard his No. 78 Speedway Children’s Charities – Atlanta Ford Fusion.
On Friday night, Nov. 30, he qualified his No. 78 Ford 29th for the significant Snowball Derby event.
“I was really nervous for the longest time, being on the cut line, there were a ton of people left to go,” Heim said. “I’m really glad we made it, but I’m somewhat surprised just because I didn’t quite think that lap was going to make it in. I overdrove it a little bit just trying to get everything out of it, but for the most part, that’s all I could get.
“I’m really looking forward to the races this weekend at Five Flags,” he added. “We are proud to support the Speedway Children’s Charities for my home track of Atlanta Motor Speedway down in Florida too. The holiday season is here and it’s important for us to reflect on those in need and less fortunate.
“We should have two really good cars this weekend and I appreciate everyone for helping make this a reality.”
Bryant sounded, “It’s going to be a stout field for the Snowball Derby this weekend, but Corey should be one of the drivers to watch. He finished second in prestigious ValleyStar Credit Union 300 Late Model race at Martinsville (Speedway), so I have doubt he can show that same strength and patience on Sunday.
“I look forward to watching him and assisting in any way possible.”
Fab Specialties and Hickmon Performance will serve as associate marketing partners for Heim this weekend in Pensacola.
Chad Bryant Racing PR
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