Gio Ruggiero earns first career win, holds off Corey Heim in NASCAR overtime at Talladega

The 17 truck started on the pole, led the most laps, and Gio Ruggiero made sure it won the NASCAR Truck Series race at Talladega. Even with overtime, a last-second challenge, Ruggiero held on to get his first career win.

This win was building in recent races. P4 at New Hampshire, P3 at the Roval, and now P1 at Talladega. Gio Ruggiero gets his first career win in an ideal evening in Alabama. To hold off his teammate, Corey Heim, makes it even more impressive.

The Chevys from Spire Motorsports tried to cause an upset in overtime. Rajah Caruth and Corey LaJoie didn’t have enough momentum on the outside. It definitely didn’t help that Tanner Gray of Tricon Garage was lined up behind them on the outside.

You have to give credit to Gio Ruggiero. He did everything right today. There were mistakes made throughout the field, and many involved NASCAR Playoff drivers. Talladega delivered on chaos. Ruggiero gets the win and blocks a playoff driver from advancing to Phoenix with a win.

GIO RUGGIERO GETS IT DONE AT TALLADEGA. He is a NASCAR Truck Series winner! pic.twitter.com/1stgP6Xaof

— FOX: NASCAR (@NASCARONFOX) October 17, 2025

Obviously, a massive win for Gio Ruggiero, but this has implications on the NASCAR Playoffs. Corey Heim is still the only driver locked in to Phoenix. These other playoff drivers wanted the win today so they could relax for Martinsville.

On top of the implications of the win, this race had major implications. Grant Enfinger was out after a wreck on Lap 4. That leaves him in must-win territory. Daniel Hemric was also a DNF today after his truck was damaged. As for the rest of the field, 20 points is all that separates 2nd from 6th. 4th to 6th is only a six-point gap. It is going to be a fist fight on at the Paperclip.

Gio Ruggiero wins in rookie Truck Series season

Often, these superspeedway wins are discredited by media and fans alike. However, I think you have to give Gio Ruggiero all of the props for this win. He is a rookie in the Truck Series, Corey Heim has dominated all season long, and he’s been close to wins in the past.

At only 19 years old, Ruggiero has a bright future in NASCAR. He has won big Late Model races and is now a winner in NASCAR. You can tell that in the last 10 races or so, he is getting the hang of this truck. He could be a championship threat next season in the right situation.

While Ruggiero got the win, Heim showed that he is still an unstoppable force. Another top-five finish on the season, and let’s be honest, he’s on cruise control a bit right now. By winning at the Roval, Heim locked into the championship race and has nothing to really worry about at this time.

Gio Ruggiero could really be having a breakthrough in the Truck Series. There are two more races this season to show that this superspeedway win was more than just a superspeedway win. Martinsville is going to be wild and full of action. Who will emerge and make the Championship 4 alongside Heim?