During the Bennett Transportation & Logistics 250 at Echopark Speedway in Atlanta, a multi-car wreck on Lap 5 caused significant damage and frustration, particularly directed at Corey Day. The wreck involved several NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series drivers, including Ryan Sieg, who sharply criticized Day’s aggressive driving that led to the incident.
The wreck unfolded when Corey Day forced a three-wide move, colliding with Ryan Sieg’s rear bumper and sending him hard into other cars. This chain reaction collected Blaine Perkins, Kyle Sieg, Harrison Burton, Patrick Staropoli, and Day himself.
Drivers Vocal About Corey Day’s Role in the Incident
Austin Hill was quick to express his disapproval over the radio, with Ryan Sieg following suit in a more direct manner. Hill remarked,
“I saw that coming from a mile away,”
while adding,
“The 17 doesn’t know what he’s doing,”
as reported by Dustin Albino.
The caution flag was waved on Lap 5 due to the crash, marking the first yellow of the race. The aggressive maneuver by Day, forcing a tight three-wide situation and contacting Sieg, triggered the resulting turmoil on the track.
Ryan Sieg’s Strong Criticism of Corey Day After Incident
After being treated at the infield care center, Ryan Sieg openly expressed his frustration with Day’s actions in an interview. Sieg described how the wreck unfolded 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, also noting,
“I guess he forgot where the gas pedal is. We had a pretty good SciAps Ford riding right there.”
He did not hold back his negative view of Day’s approach, adding,
“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 we are on Lap 3. Not smart.”
Sieg also expressed his disappointment more bluntly, stating,
“Every f*cking week, I don’t know why he’s in that f*cking car.”
Wreck Leads to Day’s Early Exit and Affects Multiple Drivers
The crash forced both Ryan and Kyle Sieg, Harrison Burton, and Blaine Perkins out of the event, ending their race prematurely. The incident highlighted the tension and competitive pressure among drivers at this stage of the season, with aggressive moves carrying high risks and consequences.
Implications for the Season Moving Forward
This early wreck and the resulting outcry from several drivers underscore the challenges of maintaining control and safety in tightly contested races. With key drivers sidelined and tensions high, the incident involving Ryan Sieg and Corey Day is likely to influence conversations about driving conduct and race management in the weeks ahead.
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
