At just 19 years old, Corey Day has already established himself as a rising star in motorsport. The dirt-racing phenom from Clovis, California, is set to make waves in 2025 after signing a landmark deal with Hendrick Motorsports, NASCAR’s most successful team. Competing across multiple series—including the Xfinity Series, Craftsman Truck Series, ARCA Series, and Trans-Am Series—Day’s journey is being compared to that of Kyle Larson, though the young driver seems destined to carve out his own legacy.
A racing prodigy with family roots
Born on November 28, 2005, Corey Day was introduced to the world of racing at the age of 9 by his father, Ronnie Day, a West Coast racing legend. The younger Day’s career began with USAC Restricted Micro Sprints in 2016, and it didn’t take long for his talent to shine. At just 15 years old, he became the youngest driver to win a USAC National Midget Series event at Circle City Raceway.
Day’s breakthrough came in 2023 when he claimed the King of the West Sprint Car Series Championship and the prestigious Make-A-Wish Trophy Cup, cementing his status as a dirt-racing prodigy.
Building momentum: From dirt to asphalt
Corey Day’s versatility is a hallmark of his career. In 2024, he ventured into late model racing, debuting with JR Motorsports and securing a win at Hickory Motor Speedway in his first asphalt race. That same year, he competed full-time in High Limit Racing with Jason Meyers Racing, further expanding his resume.
Day’s accomplishments on dirt are nothing short of remarkable: 10 wins, 25 top-five finishes, and 44 top-10s in World of Outlaws events during the 2024 season. He also gained experience in the ARCA Menards Series, highlighted by a top-five finish at Kansas and a heated rivalry with Andy Jankowiak. In the Craftsman Truck Series, he gained valuable track time, earning a best finish of 16th.
The Hendrick Motorsports deal: A dream opportunity
In 2025, Corey Day joins the powerhouse Hendrick Motorsports team, a move that has drawn praise from NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson, himself a dirt-racing icon. Speaking about this opportunity, Day expressed his gratitude and excitement:
“This is a dream scenario. I’m grateful to Mr. Hendrick and everyone at Hendrick Motorsports and Hendrick Automotive Group for providing a platform to grow and compete at this level. There’s still a lot to learn on pavement, but having such incredible support gives me a ton of confidence. I’m ready to work hard and take in as much as I can. It’s going to be a fun year.”
Comparisons to Kyle Larson: A double-edged sword
Day’s diverse skill set and rapid rise through the ranks have led to inevitable comparisons with Kyle Larson, another dirt-racing superstar who transitioned successfully to NASCAR. While Larson has set a high bar, Day’s accomplishments suggest he’s capable of charting his own path.
His adaptability across different types of racing, combined with his maturity and work ethic, positions him as a future NASCAR superstar. However, the pressure to live up to such comparisons will test his resilience as he navigates the challenges of competing at the sport’s highest levels.
Will Corey Day redefine NASCAR’s future?
With a combination of raw talent, versatility, and an unwavering drive to succeed, Corey Day is poised to make a significant impact in NASCAR. His deal with Hendrick Motorsports provides him with the resources and mentorship needed to thrive, and his proven ability to adapt bodes well for his future.
Whether he becomes the next Kyle Larson or forges his own unique legacy, one thing is clear: Corey Day is a name NASCAR fans will be hearing for years to come.