Corey Heim and Lapcevich collided on the last lap.
Heim was racing in the NASCAR-sanctioned ValleyStar Credit Union 300 as part of the NASCAR Local Racing Series on Sunday (AEST).
On the final lap, third-placed Heim made contact with second-placed Treyten Lapcevich and shuffled him out of the way to snatch the runner-up spot.
After taking the chequered flag, Lapcevich went side-by-side with Heim entering the first turn and the pair made contact.
Heim’s Late Model Stock Car rode over the front left corner of Lapcevich’s car and into the outside wall.
Post-race, Heim was attacked by Chad Bryant Racing crew members at the circuit’s famous hot dog stand.
Footage circulated on social media showed Heim did not retaliate and reacted to the onslaught with bemusement.
Hamlin, who co-owns the 23XI Racing team that Heim races for, called for NASCAR to come down hard on the assailants.
🤯 BIG COLLISION after the checkered flag between Treyten Lapcevich & Corey Heim at Martinsville!#VSCU300 | September 25-26 | Live on FloRacing 📺 pic.twitter.com/jHy8CX9QBL
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) September 27, 2026
Although not racing under the 23XI Racing banner at Martinsville, Heim appeared in a 23XI Racing suit at the event.
“Those fucking cowards waited on Corey Heim to leave his car and leave his team and then jump him while he was on the way to his hauler,” said Hamlin on Actions Detrimental.
“I don’t know who’s in charge of NASCAR Regional, but there is absolutely no way that any of those guys should be in a pit lane for the next year at least.
“I want them to say publicly what they do to them, and if it’s nothing I will have a major problem. None of those cowards should be in a pit lane in the foreseeable future.
“He said to them I’m not trying to fight.
“They’ve got to get control of the whole Martinsville thing because it’s spiralling out of control.
“I don’t know who’s in charge of it, but they’ve got to do better and really put some real rules down.
“[If] we’re going to have fights then this will be your last Martinsville for quite some time or short track race you’re going to attend for quite some time.
“I’ve got no respect for those guys.”
FIGHT AT THE HOTDOG STAND!
FIGHT AT THE @MARTINSVILLESWY HOTDOG STAND!!!#VSCU300 | September 25-26 | Live on FloRacing 📺 pic.twitter.com/ZOqO2bnVAH
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) September 27, 2026
In the hours after Hamlin’s comments, Lapcevich issued a statement condemning the attack.
“What happened with Corey after the race was wrong, and it should not have happened,” Lapcevich said.
“While I was not involved in the incident, I want to be clear that I do not condone any actions that took place.
“Emotions can run high after a race, and I was certainly frustrated and upset following Saturday night.
“I planned on having a conversation with Corey following the race; however, there is a clear line between being angry about what happens on the racetrack and allowing that frustration to become physical.
“What happened after the race for sure crossed that line. No matter the circumstances, frustration from a race never justifies putting your hands on another competitor.
“I am glad Corey was able to walk away from the situation okay. Those actions were unacceptable, and they do not reflect who I am as a person or as a competitor.”
While Hamlin didn’t see the funny side, Heim took the altercation in his stride.
Taking to X, he wrote “Solid effort, but at least make it count next time” alongside a face with tears of joy emoji.
In another post, Heim revealed he had taken possession of the hot dog stand’s menu, which ironically reads “A half mile of mayhem”.
“New office piece,” Heim wrote.
“Poor thing took a beating this weekend.”
It’s the second high-profile fight to engulf NASCAR after the wild scenes involving Carson Hocevar and Ryan Blaney at Bristol. NASCAR elected not to punish either driver in that instance.
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