Corey Day Bio
Corey Eric Day is an American professional dirt track and stock car racing driver born November 28, 2005, in Clovis, California. He competes full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the No. 17 Chevrolet Camaro SS for Hendrick Motorsports. Day established himself as a premier sprint car racer before transitioning to NASCAR competition.
Early Life and Background
Corey Day grew up in a racing family with deep roots in West Coast motorsports. His father, Ronnie Day, was a West Coast racing legend who played a significant role in introducing his son to competition. Day began his motorsports journey at a young age, initially competing in dirt bike racing.
At age nine, Day broke his arm while racing dirt bikes competitively, which ended his two-wheeled racing career. This injury led him to pivot toward four-wheeled competition. With his family’s support, Day transitioned into sprint car racing, where he would eventually achieve remarkable success.
Path to NASCAR
Day began driving sprint cars in 2016, racing in the USAC Restricted Micro Sprints for his family-owned team. He ran eleven races in his first season, achieving a best finish of third at Keller Auto Raceway. This early success set the foundation for his rapid ascent through the dirt track ranks.
His breakthrough moment came in 2021 when he earned his first USAC National Midget Series victory at Circle City Raceway. This win made him the youngest driver to ever win a USAC National Series event. Day continued building his resume with championship titles and prestigious victories, catching the attention of NASCAR organizations.
Corey Day Career
Early Career (2016-2023)
Day found immediate success in sprint car racing, accumulating numerous victories across multiple series. His prowess behind the wheel on dirt surfaces earned him recognition as one of the most promising young talents in American open-wheel racing. The 2023 season proved particularly successful as he captured both the King of the West Sprint Car Series championship and the Make-A-Wish Trophy Cup title.
That same year, Day added the Gold Cup Sprint Car championship to his growing collection of accolades. His ability to adapt to different track conditions and race craft beyond his years made him a dominant force in sprint car competition. These achievements positioned him for opportunities in NASCAR’s national touring series.
NASCAR Debut (2024)
In April 2024, Day made his late model racing debut at Hickory Motor Speedway, driving the No. 88 Chevrolet for JR Motorsports. After finishing seventh in the first feature event, he started on the outside pole for the final feature. Day led nearly every lap to win the race in just his second career late model start.
Day expanded into NASCAR competition in 2024, making his Craftsman Truck Series debut at Bristol Motor Speedway for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing. He started 22nd and finished 18th in the No. 81 truck. He ran three additional Truck Series races at Kansas, Homestead, and Martinsville, earning his best finish of 16th at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
His ARCA Menards Series debut came at Salem Speedway, where he started fifth and finished 15th after a late-race incident. He also ran ARCA events at Bristol and Kansas. At Kansas, Day finished fourth after a controversial final-lap battle with Andy Jankowiak.
Hendrick Motorsports Era (2025-Present)
Day signed a multi-year contract with Hendrick Motorsports in December 2024. For the 2025 season, he ran eleven Xfinity Series races in the team’s No. 17 Chevrolet Camaro SS. This partnership with one of NASCAR’s premier organizations marked a significant step in his development as a stock car driver.
In 2025, Day also increased his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule to eight races with Spire Motorsports in the No. 7 truck. His continued presence across multiple NASCAR series demonstrated his versatility and preparation for full-time competition at the national level.
Driving Style and Strengths
Corey Day’s background in sprint car racing has shaped his aggressive yet calculated driving style. His experience on dirt surfaces developed exceptional car control and the ability to handle loose conditions. These skills translate effectively to asphalt racing, particularly on short tracks where throttle management and rhythm are crucial.
Notable Races and Milestones
Day’s signature achievements include winning the prestigious Turkey Night Grand Prix in 2024, one of midget racing’s most celebrated events. He also captured the Gold Cup Sprint Car championship in three consecutive years from 2023 to 2025. His 2024 Trophy Cup championship further solidified his status as a dirt track standout before his NASCAR transition.
Corey Day Career Wins
Corey Day has established an impressive winning record across multiple racing disciplines. His victories span from USAC midget and sprint car competition to late model and NASCAR events. Day’s ability to win in different types of racing equipment demonstrates his adaptability and natural talent.
Dirt Track and Sprint Car Highlights
Day claimed the King of the West Sprint Car Series championship in 2023. He won the Make-A-Wish Trophy Cup that same year and captured the prestigious Turkey Night Grand Prix in 2024. Day also secured the Gold Cup Sprint Car championship in 2023, 2024, and 2025, demonstrating sustained excellence at the highest levels of dirt track competition.
Other Wins and Performances
Day scored his first major milestone victory in 2017 by winning the Tulsa Shootout Restricted A-Class event. In 2024, he added the Trophy Cup championship to his resume. His late model victory at Hickory Motor Speedway in just his second start showcased his immediate ability to compete on asphalt pavement.
Corey Day Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Racing runs deep in Corey Day’s family. His father, Ronnie Day, was a West Coast racing legend who provided guidance and support throughout Corey’s development. The family-owned team operation during Corey’s early sprint car years fostered his growth as a driver and created a strong foundation for his professional career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season represented Corey Day’s transition into NASCAR’s national series with increased involvement in both the Xfinity Series and Craftsman Truck Series. Running a partial schedule with Hendrick Motorsports in the Xfinity Series allowed Day to gain valuable experience at the sport’s second-highest level while working with one of NASCAR’s most successful organizations.
His eight-race Truck Series campaign with Spire Motorsports provided additional track time and competition experience. The combination of racing in both series helped Day develop his skills across different track types and racing conditions. As he continues his partnership with Hendrick Motorsports, Day is positioned for a full-time NASCAR opportunity in the near future.
