Corey Day was on the brink of scoring the most lucrative victory of his career at the High Limit International main event at Perth Motorplex, only to experience a heartbreaking tire failure with just three laps remaining. The 19-year-old’s pursuit of the win, and the $110,000 prize, slipped away as smoke poured from his right-rear, ending what had been a tense duel for the lead with his mentor, Kyle Larson.
Intense Racing at Perth Motorplex Ends in Disappointment
The High Limit International in Perth, Western Australia, marked a demanding campaign for Corey Day, who has been racing in the country since Boxing Day. Unlike most American drivers, Day’s Australian tour included extensive competition in heats and preliminary mains, culminating in the prestigious 35-lap main event stacked with top-level talent.
In a fiercely competitive finale, Day went wheel-to-wheel with racing luminaries including his own mentor, Kyle Larson. As the feature wound down, it looked as though Day, piloting the No. U3 Williams Motorsports sprint car, might clinch the top spot after running up front throughout the week. Unfortunately, a punctured tire dashed those hopes, forcing him to slow with his car trailing smoke just laps from the checkered flag. This incident led to a caution and removed Day from contention in a race where he had consistently demonstrated qualifying pace and race craft against a world-class field.
Laps of Leadership Shift the Momentum
Kyle Larson, who began the event from the fourth starting spot, eventually muscled his way into the lead after Buddy (Michael) Kofoid, who started on the pole following his Night 2 victory, and Dayne Kingshott, also from the front row, set the early tone. Corey Day lined up inside Row 2, keeping himself firmly among the lead contenders. The opening laps featured frequent changes at the front. Kofoid held the early lead, Kingshott also challenged, but Larson ultimately took control as the laps wound down.
Day maintained striking distance and was well-positioned for the final push, closely tailing Larson before catastrophe struck with three laps to go. The tire issue forced Day out, triggered a fuel stop, and brought the race’s final caution. Larson, now unchallenged, defended patiently in the Jason Pryde No. 1K, as Kingshott in the Krikke Motorsport No. 2 mounted a last-ditch effort. Larson kept his composure through the remaining laps, crossing the line to secure his second consecutive High Limit International victory while Day was left watching from the pits.
Corey Day Delivers Despite Mechanical Setback
Although the finish was disappointing, Corey Day’s first High Limit International campaign underscored his rapid progress. Driving the Williams Motorsports U3, Day made a sensational charge from 28th to second during the Friday heats, quickly building momentum by taking a win on Night 1 through strategic passes and collected driving.
On Night 2, Day again threatened at the front before a brush with the wall relegated him back to a fourth-place finish. The third night proved most painful, with mechanical failure extinguishing his shot at victory. Yet Day still managed to display maturity, skill, and adaptability throughout the event, facing a demanding track and fierce competition from international stars.
Looking Ahead After High Limit International Drama
At only 19, Corey Day has already assembled an impressive racing résumé across multiple disciplines, including dirt sprint cars, Trucks, Trans-Am, and Xfinity Series competition. Fresh from the High Limit International, he now prepares for the next step in his career—driving the No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Although his trip to Perth ended in heartbreak, the experience adds a new chapter to Day’s racing journey, promising growth and more high-stakes showdowns in the future.
😮 Caution comes out just as @corey_day_ was challenging @KyleLarsonRacin for the lead!@PerthMotorplex @HighLimitRacing #HighLimitRacing pic.twitter.com/Kk4HrF4gSi
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) December 30, 2025
