In the fast-paced world of NASCAR, talent is always in high demand. And when a name like Corey Day, the 19-year-old prodigy, is mentioned in the same breath as motorsport legends Kyle Larson and Jeff Gordon, you can’t help but take notice. Rick Hendrick, a revered name in the industry, has seen potential in Day and it seems that his faith is not misplaced. The young gun has been making waves in the dirt racing circuit, earning commendations from none other than three-time Chili Bowl champion Christopher Bell.
Bell, a celebrated figure in the sport and a triple winner this season, acknowledged Day’s prowess during a pre-race press briefing at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. His endorsement of Day as a promising contender in the Craftsman Truck Series, even over seasoned veterans, is a significant testament to the latter’s skill set.
Corey Day, born into a racing family, was destined for the tracks. His journey began in Clovis, California, where he initially rode dirt bikes. A broken arm at age 9 led to a shift in gears, as his father, Ronnie Day, a West Coast racing legend, introduced him to Sprint Cars. By 15, he had already made his mark as the youngest driver to win a USAC National Midget Series event at Circle City Raceway. By 2025, he was driving for Spire Motorsports in the Truck Series, under a development deal with Hendrick Motorsports.
His Truck Series debut at the Bristol Motor Speedway proved he was more than just a rookie. Despite starting 22nd, he managed to secure an 18th place finish. His subsequent races at Kansas, Homestead–Miami, and Martinsville yielded comparable results. His skill was evident, and his performance was indicative of his potential. Bell praised Day’s talent at the Las Vegas pre-race press conference, stating that he wouldn’t be surprised if Day took the sport by storm.
Bell, who also has a dirt racing background, finds many similarities between his and Day’s career trajectory. He believes that dirt racing helps cultivate instinct and car control, qualities that were evident in Day’s triumphant 2023 season where he clinched the King of the West Sprint Car Series Championship and the Make-A-Wish Trophy Cup. His adaptability and success on dirt tracks have drawn comparisons between him and drivers like Bell and Larson.
Bell’s faith in Day is not solely based on his natural talent. The young driver’s dedication and work ethic are also noteworthy. In 2024, he competed in 73 dirt track events, notching 10 wins, 25 top-five finishes, and 44 top-10s. Beyond dirt racing, Day displayed his versatility with a stunning victory at his NASCAR Late Model debut at Hickory Motor Speedway with JR Motorsports in 2024.
Day’s meteoric rise continued at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where he netted his first career pole in his fifth NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series start. His lap time of 30.388 seconds (177.702 mph) in his No. 7 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Silverado outpaced seasoned racers and solidified his standing as a driver to reckon with.
Despite the excitement of securing his first pole, Day’s humility remained intact. His achievement also reflected well on Spire Motorsports, marking their sixth Truck Series pole and demonstrating their ability to nurture emerging talent. However, his race at Las Vegas ended in a 27th place finish, two laps behind the leaders. Nevertheless, his pole position is evidence of his capabilities and potential.
As Corey Day continues his ascent in the world of motorsport, one question looms large: will we see him in a Cup Series car next season? Only time will tell, but for now, all eyes are on this rising star.
