Corey Day: The Next Big Thing in NASCAR, Following in Chase Elliott's Footsteps
In the world of NASCAR, a new star is rising, and his name is Corey Day. At only 19, Day has captured the attention of racing legends Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon, who see in him the potential they once saw in Chase Elliott. But this time, the journey is even more intriguing, as Day's path to stardom takes an unexpected turn from dirt to asphalt.
From Dirt Prodigy to NASCAR's Rising Star
Corey Day, a California native, started his racing career as a dirt-track prodigy, showing little interest in the asphalt world. However, his raw talent caught the eye of fellow Californian and NASCAR superstar Kyle Larson, who personally vouched for Day's potential to Jeff Gordon. This endorsement set in motion a chain of events that would change Day's career forever.
A Multiyear Deal and a Packed Schedule
Day signed a multiyear deal with Hendrick Motorsports, and his schedule became a whirlwind of racing commitments. He's now juggling an intense cross-series schedule, competing in the Craftsman Truck Series, Xfinity Series, Trans-Am, and the High Limit Sprint Car Series. It's a challenging path, but one that mirrors the early days of Chase Elliott's rise.
The Power of Endorsement
Kyle Larson's words carried weight, and Jeff Gordon, a NASCAR Hall of Famer, took notice. "When you have a guy like Kyle... saying those types of things, it certainly gets our attention," Gordon admitted. And so, the team's new developmental vision was born, with Day at its center. But here's where it gets controversial - is it ethical to scout and sign such young talent, potentially sacrificing their personal development for a shot at racing glory?
A Developmental Deal and Rapid Rise
After a strong dirt campaign and some impressive late model races, Corey Day secured a developmental deal with Hendrick Motorsports. This deal provided him with seat time across multiple NASCAR divisions and surfaces, allowing him to hone his skills. Since then, Day has consistently improved, with notable finishes in the Truck and Xfinity Series, including a career-best fourth-place at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Juggling a Busy Schedule
Day's schedule is a testament to his dedication and the team's belief in his potential. He admitted, "I have a busy schedule... I'm 19, so it's like a kid going off to college." His calendar includes ARCA runs, Trans-Am races, and a full-time High Limit sprint campaign. This approach, emphasizing patience and supervised development, is reminiscent of the blueprint that shaped Elliott and Byron's Cup careers.
Leading the No. 17 Xfinity Car Program
The No. 17 Xfinity entry, a cornerstone of Hendrick's new approach, is where Day's journey takes center stage. He's been given a third of the 2025 schedule, running nine races to accelerate his transition to pavement. The car has also featured a rotation of Hendrick's Cup drivers and young prospects, with Kyle Larson and William Byron securing victories. This strategy aims to bridge the gap between Hendrick's Cup operation and its future talent pool.
Impressing the Legends
Corey Day's composure behind the wheel and adaptability to longer races have impressed both Jeff Gordon and Rick Hendrick. His progress mirrors the early days of Elliott and Byron, but with a unique twist. This weekend, Day returns to the No. 17 Team SLR Chevrolet Camaro in the Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series at Barber Motorsports Park, his fifth Trans-Am race this season.
What do you think about the team's approach to developing young talent? Is it a fair opportunity or a risky gamble? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's discuss the future of NASCAR's rising stars!
