Corey Day, a rising Hendrick Motorsports driver, experienced an emotional end at the High Limit International event in Australia on December 30, 2025. Competing in the internationally renowned race, Day’s hopes were dashed late after a right-rear tire failure forced him out while battling at the front—a setback that highlighted both his talent and the unpredictability of motorsports.
Strong Start for Corey Day Overseas
On his debut at the Perth Motorplex, Corey Day impressed fans and competitors alike by securing an unexpected sprint car victory on Night 1, holding off a popular Australian driver to claim his first win outside the United States. Riding the #U3 Williams Motorsports machine, Day continued his strong run on the second night, starting from third and finishing in fourth position, showcasing his adaptability on foreign soil.
High Drama During the Main Event
The main race on Tuesday brought high stakes and increased intensity, with Day, his rival Rico Abreu, and Cup Series champion Kyle Larson all making aggressive moves for the lead. Abreu’s participation ended abruptly due to an engine issue that brought out a caution. Meanwhile, Day’s pursuit of Larson came to an end when persistent contact with the wall resulted in a crucial right-rear puncture, halting his run and leaving him classified in twenty-first position after a DNF.
Following the incident, Corey Day shared his feelings publicly, saying,
“Results from the final night of High Limit International. Battling for the lead until the right rear let go late in the race. Can’t thank the Williamson Racing guys enough for all of their hard work.”
Kyle Larson, now a two-time winner of the High Limit Racing International event in Australia and 2025 NASCAR Cup Series champion, started fourth, seized control late, and took home the winner’s prize of $110,000 AUD, while Day’s promising run ended prematurely. Despite the disappointing finish, Day’s competitive drive shone throughout the event and kept fans’ focus on his potential.
Comparisons to Kyle Larson and the Path Forward
As Corey Day’s profile grows within the NASCAR and sprint car communities, fans and experts increasingly draw parallels between Day and the celebrated champion Kyle Larson. Day’s association with Hendrick Motorsports and his rapid rise over recent seasons further fuel these comparisons. Ahead of the current Cup Series campaign, Day addressed the attention, expressing appreciation for the recognition and the expectations placed upon him.
He reflected,
“It’s an honor to be compared to Kyle Larson. He is, in my opinion, and I’m sure a lot of other people’s, the best race car driver in the world. So to be compared to him and talked about in the same sentence is really cool.”
“It doesn’t add too much more pressure on me. I feel like if I added more than I couldn’t do the job I was hired to do. So I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing and if I do that, then I’ll keep getting compared to him,” he added.
Day’s resume already includes winning the USAC National Series at just 15—making him the youngest to achieve this feat—and catching the eye of legends like Jeff Gordon. Recently, Day made his NASCAR Xfinity Series debut with Hendrick Motorsports, driving the #17 Chevy and earning his best result at Las Vegas Motor Speedway with a fourth-place finish, further cementing his reputation as one of racing’s brightest young talents.
What This Means for Corey Day and High Limit International
While Corey Day’s High Limit International run ended in disappointment, his performances across the event highlighted both his raw ability and his resilience. The comparisons to Kyle Larson, the ongoing support from Hendrick Motorsports, and Day’s rapid progression from national to international stages suggest he will continue to be a focal point in both NASCAR and sprint car racing. As the sport looks ahead, Day’s journey represents the promise and excitement of a new generation, with the High Limit International serving as both a proving ground and a stage for future legends.
Results from the final night of High Limit International. Battling for the lead until the right rear let go late in the race. Can’t thank the Williamson Racing guys enough for all of their hard work. pic.twitter.com/RolvRQjP7Z
— Corey Day (@corey_day_) December 30, 2025
