“When Kyle Larson and Jeff Gordon say someone is the real deal, it certainly gets your attention,” remarked NASCAR legend Rick Hendrick about a 19-year-old racing star. His comments reveal that occasionally, motorsports witness a talent so raw and electrifying that it shakes up the scene. It’s a rare combination of skill, adaptability, and poise that draws attention from the greats.
Rick Hendrick’s admiration was for young dirt racing sensation Corey Day. His amazing driving skills and never-give-up attitude have earned him a seat with Hendrick Motorsports. Day will drive for the most successful NASCAR team in 2025.
Rick Hendrick praises Corey Day
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Kelly Crandall wrote on X, “Hendrick Motorsports has signed Corey Day to a multiyear agreement. Day will compete in NASCAR Xfinity and Truck, ARCA, and Trans Am this season with HendrickCars support.” The 19-year-old dirt racing prodigy Corey Day has been making waves in motorsports. His sensational performances earned him accolades like the ‘next Kyle Larson’ from fans and experts alike. Hendrick Motorsports has now officially signed him under a multi-year contract. Day will drive with HMS’ support in NASCAR Xfinity and Truck, ARCA, and Trans Am.
Notably, Day enters the NASCAR scene with an impressive resume. In 2024, he clinched 10 victories, 25 top-five finishes, and 44 top-10s across 73 starts in dirt racing events. His victory at the 83rd Turkey Night Grand Prix as its youngest-ever winner further solidified his reputation. Even before that, he had bagged the 2023 King of the West 410 NARC championship and the prestigious Gold Cup Race of Champions.
Speaking about the young sensation, Rick Hendrick 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.”
Hendrick Motorsports has signed Corey Day to a multiyear agreement. Day will compete in NASCAR Xfinity and Truck, ARCA, and Trans Am this season with HendrickCars support.
— Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall) January 9, 2025
Day also has four Truck Series starts and has impressed stars like Kyle Larson. After his truck series debut, Larson has advocated for him. “He’s just extremely good, he’s super fun to watch and great family and all that, only 18. So, I hope he can get more opportunities to learn these cars, learn this style of racing, and really show the world how great he is.”
Despite such praises from legends of the sport, Day acknowledges the learning curve ahead. “It’s a lot different from what I’m used to. On dirt, we turn right, going around corners because we’re sideways. On the pavement, we turn left. There’s so much to adapt to.”
Notably, Day’s journey at Hendrick Motorsports is poised to be remarkable. He will have some greats like Rick Hendrick, Jeff Gordon, and Kyle Larson as his mentor. He expressed confidence in their guidance
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How Corey Day Once broke Kyle Larson’s trophy hopes?
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Kyle Larson is one of the most versatile drivers in NASCAR. He often goes out of his comfort zone to drive in dirt and sprint car races. His love for the racing once led him to fight with Corey Day for the iconic Turkey Night Grand Prix. During the 83rd edition of the event, Day made some controversial moves to become the youngest champion in the history of the Turkey Night Grand Prix.
The pivotal moment unfolded midway through the 98-lap feature at Ventura Raceway. Larson, who made his move to enter the top 5 by 58th lap, was looking for the victory. However, in an aggressive move, Day got into Larson’s rear bumper, causing him to spin out. Although Larson managed to keep his car running, the incident forced him to fall to the back of the field. Despite his best efforts to claw his way back, he finished a distant 20th.
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However, after winning the championship, Day even gave a controversial statement about Kyle Larson. In the victory lane he said, “I think just not having Jesus to pass in front of me, that was a big one. You know, it’s not as high pressure as the normal stuff I’m doing. Just really glad that Willie and I can finally get a couple down here and glad to be one spot better this year.” Despite his comments, Larson praised the young prodigy and even pushed his NASCAR career. Do you think? Corey Day can be the next superstar of Hendrick Motorsports?
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Corey Day: The next Kyle Larson or just another overhyped rookie? What's your take?
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