Corey Day delivered a remarkable victory at the High Limit Racing International in Perth Motorplex on December 28, 2025, seizing the spotlight from the heavily favored Kyle Larson. In a thrilling twist at this major dirt racing event – long associated with Larson’s dominance – the young Californian prodigy asserted himself with a commanding performance that marks a new milestone in the Kyle Larson Racing Triumph narrative.
Rising Talent Overtakes the Favorite at Perth Motorplex
When High Limit Racing International commenced in Australia, anticipation centered on Rick Hendrick’s star driver and the defending champion, Kyle Larson. As co-owner and headline attraction, Larson was expected to dominate once again. However, dirt track racing often yields dramatic surprises, and this event was no exception.
While much of the attention was on Larson, another story began to unfold. Corey Day, only 20 years old and already recognized for his aggressive racing style, took to the track determined to prove himself on a global stage. Both fans and competitors watched as Day made his intentions clear, determined not to be overshadowed by the sport’s biggest names.
Day had already made headlines during the Boxing Day Bonanza with an impressive performance, starting 28th and surging through the field to finish second. This display of skill and tenacity set the tone for his run at Perth Motorplex, as Day showed that his earlier achievement was no fluke.
Corey Day’s Standout Night and Melbourne Glory
The High Limit Racing International preliminary saw Day demonstrate his strengths in both racecraft and adaptability. Competing on a track very different from Boxing Day, he proved that his team could deliver in diverse conditions. Speaking after his victory, Day made his appreciation clear:
“This place is just awesome. It suits my style really well, and yeah, definitely a different track tonight than we had on boxing days. So, good to know we got our car good in both of those conditions, and man, hats off to the 71 [Manders] here. He kept me honest for sure.”
— Corey Day, Driver
Day’s controlled aggression allowed him to quickly move from his fourth-place start on the grid. By lap eight, he had overtaken pole sitter Kaiden Manders, setting the tempo for the rest of the main event. Manders challenged fiercely, even reclaiming the top spot after a late caution, but Day remained unfazed, closing out the race and securing a $15,000 winner’s payout.
The magnitude of this performance was amplified as Kyle Larson – the central figure for much of the event’s build-up – endured a rough night. A flat right rear tire sent him to the back of the pack early, resulting in a distant 17th-place finish. This unexpected outcome underscored Day’s arrival as a force in international dirt racing, casting him as Rick Hendrick’s next significant protégé and sparking excitement among fans and team insiders alike.
“This place is just awesome.” — Corey Day, Driver
How Corey Day’s Rapid Ascent is Changing Racing Expectations
Corey Day’s dramatic emergence at the High Limit International is merely the latest highlight in a breakout period for the young driver. His run from 28th to second in the Boxing Day Bonanza drew standing ovations and conversations throughout the paddock, demonstrating racecraft that drew comparisons to seasoned professionals. Always hungry for new challenges, Day provided further evidence of his talent by seamlessly transitioning between sprint car and stock car series.
After two seasons split between dirt tracks and limited NASCAR action, Corey Day will move to a new chapter in 2026. Hendrick Motorsports has committed to him full-time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, where he’ll race the No. 17 car. This investment reflects team owner Rick Hendrick’s belief in Day’s long-term potential, indicating that the organization sees him as far more than a short-term curiosity.
Even with a relatively brief stock car résumé, Day has already impressed observers. His top-four finish at Las Vegas in 2025, on a high-speed, intermediate oval, revealed a maturity often lacking in younger competitors. Additional appearances in the Craftsman Truck Series at Nashville and Indianapolis Raceway Park provided further evidence of his adaptability and smooth driving style in challenging circumstances.
Kyle Larson’s Blueprint and Hendrick Motorsports’ Vision
Corey Day’s development as a driver echoes the career path blazed by Kyle Larson. Both emerged as outstanding talents in the dirt racing scene, building reputations for their aggressive tactics and rapid progression. Larson’s influence is clear, serving as both a benchmark and a source of mentorship for Day as he embarks on this next phase of his career.
The management at Hendrick Motorsports has dedicated ample time, resources, and expert coaching to nurture Day’s growth. Their belief in his promise is evident in the decision to offer him a full-time NASCAR seat in 2026, a sign that they expect Day to become a fixture in both sprint and stock car racing landscapes for years to come.
While he prepares for a grind of NASCAR races, Day isn’t stepping away from his dirt racing roots. His upcoming participation in the 2026 Chili Bowl Nationals presents yet another opportunity to develop his racecraft in a pressure-packed environment, as he continues to build experience on some of the world’s largest stages. A strong showing at last year’s Chili Bowl, where he finished 11th in the Saturday championship feature, signals the trajectory of a driver growing more confident and capable with every outing.
A New Era for Hendrick Motorsports and the High Limit Tour
The events at Perth Motorplex have sent ripples through the dirt racing community and beyond. For Hendrick Motorsports, the arrival of Corey Day as a legitimate headliner points to an evolving legacy—one that is built on grooming versatile drivers capable of dominating multiple forms of motorsport. Team owner Rick Hendrick’s patient investment appears poised to pay off, as the organization seeks to replicate the success it found with Kyle Larson by cultivating Day’s all-around racing prowess.
The global audience, including fans in the United States and Australia, has taken notice. Corey Day’s ascent injects fresh excitement into the Kyle Larson Racing Triumph narrative, demonstrating that a new generation of talent is ready to challenge – and sometimes upstage – the established stars. With Day’s blend of humility, aggression, and learning agility, the future of both NASCAR and the international dirt track scene appears poised for continued transformation.
As Day turns his attention to the next big races and the upcoming NASCAR season, the motorsports world will be watching to see whether he can maintain his trajectory and join the ranks of elite drivers who have crossed seamlessly between racing disciplines. For now, his success at Perth Motorplex stands as a testament to persistence, skill, and the enduring allure of unpredictable competition, signaling that new heroes continue to emerge where expectations are highest.
“This place is just awesome.” 🙌🏼@Corey_Day_ reacted to his first victory in Australia after topping Sunday’s High Limit International prelim at @PerthMotorplex. pic.twitter.com/hIOzyCeewd
— High Limit Racing (@HighLimitRacing) December 28, 2025
