It wouldn’t be wrong to call Corey Day the next NASCAR sensation. He is a 19-year-old dirt racing champion who has recently signed a deal with Hendrick Motorsports. As he steps into his 2025 season, running races for the Xfinity Series, Craftsman Truck Series, ARCA Series, and Trans-Am Series, let’s know more about him! 

Who is Corey Day?

Corey Day is a dirt and stock car racer who hails from Clovis, California. Day. Born on November 28th, 2005, has already achieved great success despite his youth. He belongs to a family that has some history of racing and his venture started at the tender age of 9. His father Ronnie Day, a West Coast racing legend, is the one who introduced him to the world of Sprint car racing. 

The year 2023 proved to be fruitful for him after he clinched the King of the West Sprint Car Series Champion. In the same year, he also took home the Make-A-Wish Trophy Cup. Now he embarks on a journey with the most successful NASCAR team and has earned huge praise from their Cup Series champion, Kyle Larson.

From dirt racing to Hendrick Motorsports: Corey Day’s racing exploits

It was in 2016 that Corey Day began his racing journey and competed at the USAC Restricted Micro Sprints with his family-owned team. His breakout moment came in 2021 when he became the youngest driver to win a USAC National Midget Series event at Circle City Raceway at just 15 years of age.

 These achievements set the stage for his full-time debut in High Limit Racing in 2024 with Jason Meyers Racing. Consequently, this was also the year when he started his journey in the world of late models. He proved his Larson-esque versatility with JR Motorsports at the Hickory Motor Speedway by notching up a win in his asphalt debut in 2024.

He has a solid history as a dirt racer and in 2024 he collected 10 wins, 25 top-five finishes, and 44 top-10s at the World of Outlaws events. His ventures also include his stint at the ARCA Menards Series, where he signed a deal with Pinnacle Racing Group along with sponsorship from HendrickCars.com. This period was marked by a top-five finish at Kansas and an intense on-track rivalry with Andy Jankowiak. He also dipped his toes in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, earning valuable experience and a best finish of 16th.

After signing with Hendrick Motorsports, speaking of the opportunity at hand, Day said, “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”.

Will Corey Day be the next crowd-puller?

Trending

1

Shell-Shocked Dale Earnhardt Jr Explores 50-Year Old Unsolved Mysteries of His Dad’s Daytona Legacy

2

Roger Penske’s Plan to Overtake NASCAR Revealed by Latest F1 Hire

3

Kelley Earnhardt Reveals Dale Jr.’s Irresponsible Yet Heartfelt Gesture, Upsetting JRM Financials

4

Iconic Rock Band’s $65 Million Reality Check Bursts Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s ‘Hate’ Bubble

5

Shutting Down of Nearly $100 Billion Worth Company Has Bubba Wallace’s Wife in Shambles

For the 2025 season, it can be anticipated that Corey Day’s popularity will see a surge. He will be driving the car for Hendrick Motorsports at both the NASCAR Xfinity Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. From dominating sprint cars and late models to proving his mettle in ARCA and the NASCAR Truck Series, Day’s ability to adapt to different vehicles and racing formats is exceptional. The way he has risen has been a strong story that has resonated with fans across NASCAR as well. 

Another factor that might work in his favor is how he resembles Kyle Larson in his approach. Day has acquired Larson’s blessings as well. Speaking of the meteoric rise, Larson said, “He’s definitely, in my opinion, of guys who haven’t made it to (the three series, NASCAR), he’s definitely the best prospect out there. So…yeah, I definitely endorsed him for sure because I’ve gotten a chance to race with him and first hand see how good he is. He’s probably the only one that… I feel like looks like me almost out there…You know, same sort of driving style and all that, very versatile, can hop in anything, and can figure it out”. 

Such high praise from a champion driver is nothing to scoff at. With Day improving leaps and bounds in such a short amount of time, it would be no surprise to see him in the Cup Series very soon.

Is a Cup Series seat awaiting Corey Day?

Signing a partnership with a team like Hendrick Motorsports has already tasted paramount success at the Cup Series is a remarkable feat at 19. Given that he has already made his way into the Xfinity Series, there are high chances that Day might be able to secure a solid future for him at the Cup Series. His trajectory resembles that of Kyle Larson, who had a similar history of dirt racing. While no Cup ride has been confirmed, Rick Hendrick has sung praises about the young driver.

Speaking of the kind of talent he brings onboard, Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports said, “When Kyle Larson and Jeff Gordon say someone is the real deal, it certainly gets your attention. Corey comes from a great racing family and in a short time has shown a level of talent that sets him apart. What he’s already accomplished at this point in his career speaks volumes, and it’s been impressive to see how quickly he’s adapted to pavement. We’re excited to welcome him to our team”.

With Corey Day’s immense talent, adaptability, and the backing of Hendrick Motorsports, his journey in NASCAR is only just beginning. If his past achievements are any indication, Corey Day is well on his way to becoming a racing superstar. There is also a genuine possibility that he might be the next face of NASCAR.