An incident on Lap 5 during the Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250 at Echopark Speedway in Atlanta triggered a major wreck that left several NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series drivers frustrated. The crash involved Corey Day, who forced a risky three-wide move that resulted in significant damage to multiple cars, including those of Ryan Sieg, Blaine Perkins, Kyle Sieg, Harrison Burton, and Patrick Staropoli.
The focus quickly fell on Corey Day, whose aggressive maneuver caused the chain reaction. Day bumped the rear bumper of Ryan Sieg, sending Sieg’s vehicle into a hard turn and triggering a domino effect among competitors.
Driver Reactions Highlight Frustration with Corey Day’s Driving
Austin Hill criticized Day’s decision over the radio, predicting the wreck before it happened. Ryan Sieg echoed the sentiment with sharp criticism after the crash.
“I saw that coming from a mile away,”
Hill said, per Dustin Albino.
“The 17 doesn’t know what he’s doing.”
Ryan Sieg’s response was even more pointed following his release from the infield care center. In an interview with a CW reporter, Sieg expressed his disbelief at Day’s driving, explaining the incident happened very early in the race.
“Yeah, it’s Lap 3, I think, so we’re just riding, just kind of staying in line trying to get our line going and then he’s got somewhat of a hole and he goes in it,”
Sieg said.
“I guess he forgot where the gas pedal is. We had a pretty good SciAps Ford riding right there.”
“I mean what’s the point, it’s Lap 3. But you know what I mean, that’s his normal race anyways. Tearing up cars. He’s like that. At Martinsville he wrecks 15 times in one lap. Last week he did that about four or five times at Daytona. Here were are on Lap 3. Not smart.”
Expressing his frustration bluntly, Sieg added,
“Every f*cking week, I don’t know why he’s in that f*cking car.”
Impact of the Wreck on Drivers and Race Outcome
The early crash had immediate consequences, ending the day’s competition for multiple drivers. Both Ryan and Kyle Sieg were forced to retire their cars, as were Harrison Burton and Blaine Perkins. The severity of the incident highlighted the risks of aggressive driving tactics in tightly packed fields early in the race.
Broader Implications for Corey Day and NASCAR Competition
Corey Day’s repeated involvement in aggressive accidents has drawn criticism from several corners, as noted by Sieg’s comments about his history of wrecking cars at multiple events. This wreck at Echopark Speedway adds pressure on Day and NASCAR officials to manage driver conduct and ensure safer racing conditions.
The incident at Atlanta serves as a reminder of how early-race risks can drastically alter competition and frustrate drivers, teams, and fans alike. Moving forward, how NASCAR addresses these aggressive moves could influence race dynamics and driver reputations in the series.
Drivers weren't happy with Corey Day being aggressive on Lap 5, splitting the middle.
First quote was from Austin Hill. https://t.co/fCgSbqItv2
— Dustin Albino (@DustinAlbino) February 21, 2026
The yellow flag waves for the first time today for this incident on Lap 5. pic.twitter.com/5Q5QSXKCuL
— NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts (@NASCAROReillyAP) February 21, 2026
"I saw that coming from a mile away. The 17 doesn't know what he's doing."
Corey Day got into Ryan Sieg, sending him into the wall. Harrison Burton, Kyle Sieg and Blaine Perkins all involved.
"Every f****** week. I don't know why he's in that f****** car." – Sieg.
— Dustin Albino (@DustinAlbino) February 21, 2026
Ryan & Kyle Sieg are officially out.
Are they the first pair of brothers to finish bottom 2 in a race since Kurt/Kyle at Atlanta in 2004?#NASCAR #Bennett250
— Stephen Stumpf (@stephen_stumpf) February 21, 2026
