Corey Eric Day Bio
Corey Eric Day, born November 28, 2005, in Clovis, California, is an American professional dirt track and stock car racing driver. He currently competes full-time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, driving the No. 17 Chevrolet Camaro SS for Hendrick Motorsports. Day has also competed in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, the ARCA Menards Series, and the ARCA Menards Series West.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a racing family, Corey Day began driving dirt bikes at a young age. His early racing career on dirt bikes ended after he broke his arm at age nine. Following his recovery, he transitioned to sprint car racing with the support of his family, including his father, Ronnie Day, a West Coast racing legend. This family influence played a significant role in shaping his path in motorsports.
Path to NASCAR
Day’s progression to NASCAR began through his success in sprint car racing, where he competed in the USAC Restricted Micro Sprints starting in 2016. He achieved his first USAC National Midget Series win in 2021, becoming the youngest driver to win a USAC National Series event. His accomplishments in sprint cars, including winning the King of the West Sprint Car Series and the Make-A-Wish Trophy Cup championships in 2023, helped pave the way for his entry into stock car racing. In 2024, he made his debut in late model racing with JR Motorsports, quickly securing a win in only his second start.
Corey Eric Day Career
Early Career (2016–2023)
Day began his racing career in sprint cars with his family-owned team, competing in USAC Restricted Micro Sprints. Over several years, he earned numerous victories and notable finishes, including a third-place finish at Keller Auto Raceway. His breakthrough came in 2021 with a USAC National Midget Series win at Circle City Raceway. By 2023, he had secured major sprint car titles such as the King of the West Sprint Car Series and the Make-A-Wish Trophy Cup championships.
Sprint Car Racing Breakthrough (2016–2024)
Throughout his sprint car career, Day demonstrated consistent success. In 2024, he competed full-time in the High Limit Racing series for Jason Meyers Racing, driving the No. 14 car. He won races at RPM Speedway, Red Dirt Raceway, Riverside International Speedway, I-70 Motorsports Park, and Lake Ozark Speedway, finishing fifth in the points standings. His sprint car achievements established him as a rising talent in American dirt track racing.
Transition to Stock Car Racing (2024–Present)
In 2024, Day expanded his racing portfolio by entering stock car racing. He made his late model debut with JR Motorsports at Hickory Motor Speedway, winning his second career start. That same year, he competed in three ARCA Menards Series races for Pinnacle Racing Group, gaining valuable experience on asphalt ovals. He also made his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut with McAnally–Hilgemann Racing, running four races with a best finish of sixteenth. In December 2024, Day signed a multi-year contract with Hendrick Motorsports to compete in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and is set to run full-time in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2026.
Driving Style and Strengths
Corey Day is known for his adaptability across dirt and asphalt racing surfaces. His sprint car background contributes to strong car control and aggressive race craft. He has demonstrated the ability to lead races and maintain pace under pressure, complemented by strategic driving and effective communication with his teams.
Notable Races and Milestones
Day’s career highlights include winning the 2023 King of the West Sprint Car Series and the 2024 Trophy Cup and Turkey Night Grand Prix. His victory at the 2021 USAC National Midget Series event made him the youngest winner in series history. His rapid success in late model racing and early NASCAR appearances mark significant milestones in his transition to stock car racing.
Corey Eric Day Career Wins
Corey Day has accumulated multiple wins across sprint car and dirt track events, showcasing his versatility and talent. His championship wins and race victories have established him as a prominent figure in American dirt and stock car racing.
Sprint Car Highlights
Day won the King of the West Sprint Car Series championship in 2023 and secured the Make-A-Wish Trophy Cup the same year. He also claimed the Gold Cup Sprint Car Championship in 2023, 2024, and is projected to continue his success in 2025. These victories underscore his dominance in sprint car competition.
Other Wins & Performances
In addition to sprint car success, Day won the Tulsa Shootout Restricted A-Class in 2017 and the Turkey Night Grand Prix in 2024. His late model racing debut win in 2024 further highlights his rapid adaptation to stock car racing disciplines.
Corey Eric Day Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Corey Day comes from a racing family with deep roots in West Coast motorsports. His father, Ronnie Day, is recognized as a West Coast racing legend, providing Corey with early exposure and guidance in competitive racing. This lineage has been instrumental in his development as a driver.
Personal Life
Details about Corey Day’s personal life, including marital status and family, are not publicly disclosed. He maintains an active presence on social media platforms, engaging with fans and sharing updates about his racing career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Corey Day is scheduled to expand his NASCAR presence by running eleven races in the Xfinity Series for Hendrick Motorsports in the No. 17 Chevrolet Camaro SS. He will also increase his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series schedule to eight races with Spire Motorsports. These opportunities reflect his rising profile and the confidence teams have in his potential. Day’s 2025 season will be critical for gaining experience and establishing himself as a competitive driver in national stock car racing. His performances will be closely watched as he prepares for a full-time NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series campaign in 2026.
