When Kyle Larson, the 2021 Cup Series champion, likened to four-time Formula One Champion Max Verstappen, says someone has surpassed his skill level at a certain age, ears perk up. That person is Corey Day, the 19-year-old prodigy from Hendrick Motorsports. Recently, Day demonstrated his burgeoning talent by outdoing Larson in a thrilling race.
The 2025 High Limit Racing season had a rocky start with a myriad of issues, including severe weather conditions that postponed the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series event. Despite these hiccups, Day, undeterred, shone brilliantly.
The Kubota High Limit Racing season finally commenced on a thrilling Saturday. The race, held at The Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, saw an unexpected leader emerging from the pack. Initially, it wasn’t Day but Daryn Pittman, who appeared to be the most formidable contender leading the first 23 laps. However, an unfortunate fuel shortage with just seven laps to go offered Day a golden opportunity.
A caution on lap 24 set the stage for an electrifying duel between Day and HMS veteran Larson. When the dust settled, it was Day, not the 2021 Cup Series Champion, standing tall. Despite persistent challenges from Larson and sprint car racing champion Brad Sweet, Day maintained his lead for seven of the last 30 laps and clinched a stunning victory. As a result, Day added another sprint car racing trophy to his impressive collection, which includes 10 wins, 44 top-ten finishes, and 25 top-five finishes from 73 starts in 2024.
The triumph was all the more striking as Day triumphed over Larson, a driver globally recognized for his formidable skills and touted as the potential victor at the upcoming Pennzoil 400 race. Larson’s own team, High Limit Racing, took to Instagram to celebrate Day’s victory and his impressive comeback after a five-month hiatus from 410 Sprint Car racing.
While Day’s victory may have slightly upended Larson’s glory, it’s clear that Larson takes great pride in the young racer’s success. Larson’s faith in Day was only solidified after the latter’s victory in the HLR race.
In addition to his success in the High Limit Racing competition, Day is also making waves in NASCAR. The High Limit Racing program serves as a stepping stone for young drivers to NASCAR, and Day is proving to be ahead of the curve. During the qualifying race for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Ecosave 200, Day outpaced his competitors, securing his first career truck series pole in just his fifth career truck series start. Despite finishing 27th in the final race, Day’s performance left a significant impression.
Larson was full of praise for Day’s performance, noting his evident experience and skills. He highlighted Day’s progress and competitiveness even in his few pavement races. It’s clear that Day’s ascent in the racing world is just beginning, and the racing community watches with bated breath for his next triumph. Here’s to celebrating Day’s success and wishing him many more victories in the coming year.