In May 2024, NASCAR champion Kyle Larson offered high praise for rising star Corey Day, spotlighting his performances in High Limit Racing and Late Model Stock Car Racing, and stating,
“I feel like he’s kind of a lot like me.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver. With the motorsports community continuing to follow Day’s NASCAR journey closely, Larson’s supportive remarks underscore how Day’s transition from dirt racing to major stock car events is gaining industry attention.
Corey Day stepped further into the NASCAR spotlight this season, participating across the Truck, Xfinity, and ARCA Menards Series. Despite criticism about his aggressive approach in ARCA, he remains a frequent subject in racing discussions, especially as Kyle Larson recently reiterated his support following a string of notable results. Notably, Day’s efforts in the Xfinity Series, where he represents Hendrick Motorsports, have yielded two top-20 finishes from five starts this year—one each at Texas and Nashville. However, it is in the Craftsman Truck Series where his progression stands out with Spire Motorsports’ No. 7 Chevrolet Silverado RST.
Truck Series Momentum and Recent Race Results
Day has notched seven Truck Series starts in 2024, recording two top-five results and two further top-15 finishes, evidencing his growing reputation. His performances at Nashville and Indianapolis Raceway Park were particularly impactful, placing fifth and then second in consecutive races. Reflecting ahead of the Iowa race, Larson commented,
“It was good to see him have a strong run there. It was a track that I thought may, you know, suit his style, being able to move around and search for grip and things.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver. Larson further discussed Day’s adaptability during those outings, adding,
“He was probably one of the first, if not the first, running below the apron that night and found some speed that way. So, it just lends itself to a dirt guy’s background, probably. But yeah, he’s been slowly getting better here lately in the stock car stuff, and I’m sure gaining confidence. So yeah, I’m hopeful and excited to see how he keeps going in the #17 car,”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Driver.
Larson also pointed to the support Day receives from Hendrick Motorsports, explaining that the team stands firmly behind him as he faces the complex learning curve of contemporary NASCAR. These days, evolving rules with reduced practice time and limited on-track testing push young drivers like Day to depend heavily on simulation tools for preparation. Larson, as the No. 5 driver for HMS, expressed enthusiasm at seeing Day adapt and start “figuring it out.”
Transitioning from Dirt Racing to Major NASCAR Events
Corey Day’s move from a dirt and High Limit Racing background into NASCAR’s national series brings unique challenges. He continues rapidly learning to handle heavier cars, master longer race formats, and understand the diverse setups of tracks such as Texas, Nashville, and Indianapolis Raceway Park. His ascent was on display last week at Indy, where qualifying challenges due to lightning delays forced the starting grid to be set by NASCAR’s points metrics. Day began the event in 16th place among the field at Indianapolis Raceway Park.
He advanced an impressive 14 positions over the 200-lap contest, ultimately finishing second—just 1.864 seconds behind Layne Riggs. His trajectory through the race showed his growth: from eighth by the end of Stage 1, back to thirteenth after Stage 2, and then charging back through the field in the final green-flag run to secure the runner-up position. Such recovery and adaptability are earning him recognition as one of the most promising new drivers in NASCAR’s Truck Series garage.
What Day’s Progress Means for NASCAR’s Next Generation
As Corey Day continues his rookie campaign across the Truck, Xfinity, and ARCA Menards Series, the positive feedback and mentorship from accomplished drivers like Kyle Larson highlight the industry’s expectation for his ongoing improvement. Supported by well-respected organizations such as Hendrick Motorsports and Spire Motorsports, and with several top-tier finishes now to his name, Day demonstrates the drive and adaptability needed to thrive against the best. His quick progress signals a bright future and positions him as a key figure among NASCAR’s emerging young talents.
