Corey Day achieved Christopher Bell consecutive wins by capturing back-to-back victories at the 2025 Turkey Night Grand Prix, making history at Ventura Raceway in California on November 29. Following a thrilling 98-lap duel with Logan Seavey, Day became the first driver since Bell to secure two consecutive triumphs at this prestigious dirt track event.
Corey Day’s Path to Turkey Night Repeat and NASCAR Future
Day, soon set for a full-time entry in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with Hendrick Motorsports, solidified his standing by winning Friday’s race and defending his title with a commanding Saturday performance. Battling for the lead with Seavey through numerous exchanges, Day took charge on lap 75 and maintained his advantage until the checkered flag, cementing his place among the event’s elite.
“I love coming home at the end of the year and running these races. This is just such a cool place for me,”
Corey Day said via usacracing.com.
Kyle Larson, celebrated dirt track specialist and 2025 NASCAR Cup champion, began the race from 14th following qualifying but did not break into the top five during the feature event, while others, including Day and Seavey, fought for the lead throughout the evening.
Historical Context: Christopher Bell’s Benchmark in the Grand Prix
Christopher Bell, representing Joe Gibbs Racing, previously set the standard for back-to-back Turkey Night victories, outpacing a strong lineup—featuring names such as Larson—during the event’s 2017 and 2018 editions. Bell described the race as “one of the most fun,” underscoring the competitiveness and energy surrounding the annual showdown at Ventura.
Day’s accomplishment puts him among a distinguished group, as he became the youngest of the ten drivers ever to capture at least two Turkey Night Grand Prix wins. His repeat victory came on the heels of his 20th birthday, further highlighting the significance of his achievement.
Seat Time over Simulators: Corey Day’s Approach to Racing Mastery
In the 2024 season, Corey Day balanced a part-time schedule across both the Truck and O’Reilly Series, amassing five top-10 finishes across 20 national series starts. Come 2025, Day will join Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 17 Chevrolet as their first full-time O’Reilly Series competitor since Kyle Busch held that title in the mid-2000s.
Day credits real on-track experience as the most crucial factor in his development, emphasizing its importance for drivers eager to improve.
“You’ve got to get seat time. That’s like the biggest thing. You can sim your life away and study video and data and all the stuff as much as you can, but until you go get the real-world experience and feel it, it’s hard to progress,”
Corey Day said (via Speedway Digest).
Reflecting on his rapid progress, Day explained that participating across different cars throughout 2025 offered insights that studying data could not fully provide. This hands-on involvement, he noted, was pivotal in readying himself for a comprehensive 2026 season with Hendrick Motorsports beginning February 14, 2026.
The Future of Turkey Night and NASCAR’s Emerging Stars
With Corey Day now matching Christopher Bell’s legacy of consecutive Turkey Night Grand Prix wins, a new era in dirt track racing and NASCAR appears to be emerging. Recognized as both the youngest repeat victor and a rising NASCAR talent, Day’s continued ascent brings national attention to classic events and the evolving roster of leading drivers. As the 2026 season approaches, Day’s momentum positions him among the next wave of stars shaping the narrative of American motorsports.
𝑩𝒂𝒄𝒌-𝒕𝒐-𝑩𝒂𝒄𝒌 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑫𝒂𝒚! 🦃🦃@corey_day_ scores his 2nd consecutive #TurkeyNightGP victory tonight at @ventura_raceway!
He's the first back-to-back TNGP winner since @CBellRacing in 2017-18! pic.twitter.com/Ce7hzNAWMn
— USAC Racing (@USACNation) November 30, 2025
