Corey Day entered the second preliminary round of the High Limit International at Perth Motorplex riding high after a strong showing on Night 1, but a critical mistake derailed his momentum and changed the course of the race. The highly anticipated American teenager, who had just scored a victory, quickly found himself battling at the front before a miscalculation left him struggling to recover, highlighting how rapidly fortunes can shift in high-pressure motorsports events.
Early Promise Gives Way to Disappointment
After a successful opening night with a win in the U3 Williams Motorsports car, Corey Day approached Sunday’s event with confidence, aiming to build on his early lead in the standings. He secured a sixth-place qualifying spot for the 30-lap main feature, setting up what looked to be an exciting contest with pole-sitter Buddy Kofoid. Both drivers were positioned as front-runners, and it did not take long for Day to climb through the field and challenge Kofoid for control of the race.
Excitement peaked as Day moved forward and joined the front battle, but his surge was halted abruptly. While dueling up front, Day brushed the wall, an error that not only slowed his pace but also forced him to concede valuable track position. The incident became a talking point online, with FloRacing capturing the moment for fans and sharing,
“If you love a good slidejob, Monday night’s #HighLimitRacing feature at Perth Motorplex was chef’s kiss. 🤌🔥”
– FloRacing
That critical contact with the wall proved pivotal. Despite lining up second on two separate safety car restarts, Day was unable to regain ground, each time getting stuck in challenging “dirty air” and slipping backwards through the pack. By the checkered flag, Day had recovered to finish fourth, a strong result but short of his expectations and potential given how the night began.
How the Mistake Impacted the Race
Observers noted that had Day avoided the wall, he may have regained the lead, setting up a showdown for the win. Instead, Buddy Kofoid found his rhythm and capitalized on the shuffled field. There were additional lead changes in the final laps, with Brad Sweet also making a brief run at the front before Kofoid ultimately sealed the victory. Jock Goodyer and Dayne Kingshott rounded out the podium, demonstrating the tough competition among this group of drivers. Day’s error became the turning point, altering not only his night but the landscape for everyone at the front of the field.
High Stakes Ahead for the Richest Sprint Race in Australia
Attention now shifts to Tuesday, December 30, as the High Limit International gears up for its finale – an event boasting a record-breaking $110,000 AUD winner’s purse, making it the most lucrative contest in Australian speedway history. Only one major sprint feature remains on the schedule, intensifying the focus on Day’s comeback potential.
Thanks to his strong early results, Corey Day has already secured a place in the prestigious Dash alongside leading point earners such as Buddy Kofoid, Jock Goodyer, Dayne Kingshott, Kaiden Manders, and James McFadden. The level of competition is fierce, with each driver showing strong form and a real shot at the title.
Adding to the intrigue, Day’s mentor and last year’s High Limit International winner, Kyle Larson, remains in the hunt despite a challenging week. Larson suffered mechanical setbacks on Night 1 that placed him 17th, but rebounded on Night 2 to finish fifth right behind Day. Larson must now fight through Tuesday’s heats, knowing a single win secures his place in the Dash, keeping his title defense alive.
Pressure Mounts as Final Showdown Approaches
As the week at Perth Motorplex draws to a close, Corey Day faces a new test under greater scrutiny and expectation. He has already demonstrated his capability by winning in this environment, but now the stakes are even higher as he aims to put past mistakes behind him and deliver in the most important race of the event.
The High Limit International has showcased how quickly racing fortunes can swing, with names like Buddy Kofoid, Brad Sweet, Jock Goodyer, and Dayne Kingshott all proving to be formidable opponents. For Day, redemption and a shot at the richest prize in Australian speedway are still within reach—provided he can channel both his early momentum and lessons learned from Sunday’s costly slip.
📹 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒: If you love a good slidejob, Monday night’s #HighLimitRacing feature at Perth Motorplex was chef’s kiss. 🤌🔥 #HighLimitInternational pic.twitter.com/9ITG1WTYSh
— FloRacing (@FloRacing) December 29, 2025
