Hendrick Motorsports has made a bold move to secure its future by signing 19-year-old sprint car prodigy Corey Day to a multi-year deal. Dubbed the next Kyle Larson by the reigning NASCAR superstar himself, Day is entering the stock car world with high expectations and a glowing endorsement from NASCAR legends like Jeff Gordon and Kenny Wallace.
The Road to Hendrick: A Sprint Car Sensation
Corey Day’s meteoric rise in motorsports is nothing short of extraordinary. At just 15, he became the youngest driver to win the USAC National Series in 2021. By the time Hendrick Motorsports came calling, Day had already built an impressive résumé:
- World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series (2022-2024): 46 races, 2 wins, 13 top-five finishes, and 20 top-ten finishes.
- King of the West-NARC Sprint Car Series (2023): Champion with 9 wins in 21 races, bringing his career tally to 16 wins and 30 top-fives in 50 races.
- High Limit Racing: 8 wins, 19 top-five finishes, and 34 top-tens in 54 races, earning praise from Larson himself.
It’s these performances that caught the attention of Jeff Gordon, Hendrick Motorsports’ vice chairman, who was relentless in bringing Day into the fold.
The Funny Story Behind Jeff Gordon’s Recruitment
Getting Corey Day to Hendrick wasn’t without its lighthearted moments. Gordon reached out to Day’s father in late 2023 via text, but skepticism ran high. Recounting the story on SiriusXM NASCAR, Day revealed:
“My dad and I were both like, ‘Is this really Jeff Gordon?’ My dad even asked him to send a picture of himself to make sure it wasn’t a scam. Sure enough, it was, and the rest is history.”
After verifying the NASCAR Hall of Famer’s identity, Day’s journey toward NASCAR began in earnest.
A Stellar Start in NASCAR
In 2024, Day made his debut in the NASCAR Truck Series, driving part-time for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing. Despite limited opportunities, he managed to secure three top-20 finishes in just four races, showcasing his potential on stock car tracks.
Kyle Larson, who has raced against Day in High Limit Racing, has been vocal about the young driver’s promise.
“He’s basically me,” Larson said, praising Day’s raw talent and adaptability.
Pressure of Comparisons: The Next Kyle Larson?
The parallels between Corey Day and Kyle Larson are hard to ignore. Both have a strong foundation in dirt racing, a knack for winning, and an uncanny ability to adapt to new challenges. However, Day is aware of the weight of such comparisons.
“It’s going to be a lot, of course, and I’m trying to be as mentally prepared for it as possible,” Day said. “With the group of people I have around me—Jeff Gordon, Kyle Larson, Josh Wise—I think I’m going to be OK.”
Day’s humility and willingness to learn could be the key to navigating the immense pressure of joining NASCAR’s most dominant team.
The Hendrick Legacy Continues
For Rick Hendrick, securing Corey Day is a calculated move to ensure the long-term success of Hendrick Motorsports. With Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, William Byron, and Alex Bowman already forming a powerhouse roster, Day’s addition signals a commitment to grooming the next generation of stars.
“Welcoming a talent like Corey is a proud moment for us,” Hendrick said. “We’re excited to help him grow and see what he can achieve in the years to come.”
The Future Looks Bright
Corey Day’s sprint car success, coupled with Hendrick Motorsports’ unparalleled resources and mentorship from legends like Jeff Gordon and Kyle Larson, sets the stage for an exciting chapter in NASCAR. While the comparisons to Larson may feel overwhelming, Day appears poised to rise to the occasion and carve his own legacy in the sport.
