Corey Day, the 18-year-old rookie, has recently come under intense scrutiny following his involvement in two on-track incidents at Kansas Speedway. Once regarded as one of the brightest rising stars in NASCAR, Day has faced backlash from fans after being involved in a controversial last-lap collision with Andy Jankowiak during the ARCA Menards Series race. His weekend didn’t get any better when, in the Truck Series, a collision with Matt Mills’ No. 42 Chevy during the final stage of the Kubota Tractor 200 forced him to retire early from the race. For a driver hailed as the “next Kyle Larson,” the criticism was sharp and swift, but it also revealed the weight of expectation he’s shouldering as a young driver entering one of the most competitive motorsport series in the world.
Despite the negative comments from some corners of the NASCAR fanbase, Corey Day is not without his supporters, and among his staunchest advocates is none other than Kyle Larson, one of the most respected figures in NASCAR. Larson, a driver who has become a role model for many up-and-coming talents, has offered Day public support, particularly after his tumultuous weekend in Kansas. While many fans have been quick to judge Day, Larson has recognized the potential in the young driver, even though his recent performances have been far from flawless.
Corey Day’s weekend at Kansas Speedway was certainly a mix of highs and lows, with moments that showcased his potential as well as others that revealed the challenges he still faces. In his ARCA Menards Series race, Day finished in an impressive fourth place, marking his best result in the series so far. However, that achievement was overshadowed by the dramatic final-lap incident with Andy Jankowiak, which sparked criticism from fans who believed Day had been too aggressive. That wasn’t the only incident that marred his weekend; in his second Truck Series race, Day’s run ended prematurely when he made contact with Matt Mills’ Chevy in the final stage. The collision was another blow for Day, further fueling the negative perception surrounding his rookie season.
Even though Day faced heavy criticism on social media and other platforms, he’s received much-needed reassurance from one of NASCAR’s top drivers. Kyle Larson, who knows all too well the challenges of adjusting to a new series and handling the pressures of early criticism, shared his thoughts with the media. Larson drew comparisons between Day’s early struggles and his own first steps in NASCAR, particularly in the Truck Series. He said, “I think you can look at my first few Truck starts and really like Homestead, I think you know, like I wreck the field you know, pulling a similar move. I think though when you’re young and don’t come from a stock car background, you know, you got to learn a lot and I think that was really his first time being in different aero situations.”
Larson’s comments offered a perspective that many fans often overlook—the rapid learning curve that comes with transitioning to stock car racing. For someone like Day, who comes from a sprint car background, the differences in aerodynamics, racecraft, and race strategy are vast and challenging. Larson’s insights suggest that it’s easy to forget just how much a young driver has to absorb in a short period of time when entering a new discipline. In fact, Larson pointed out that the incidents in Kansas, while unfortunate, will be valuable learning experiences for Day as he continues to refine his skills and understand the intricacies of stock car racing. Larson further elaborated, “I’m sure he took a lot away from the day yesterday and you have a better understanding of kind of how to position your car and how to take runs or not, take every run, stuff like that. He’s obviously got an extreme amount of talent and you know, I think he’s got a lot of hype but at the same time, he’s so new to stock cars that he’s really learning and having to learn quickly.”
It’s clear that Larson believes Day’s raw talent and adaptability will allow him to thrive, even if his early results haven’t been perfect. In fact, Larson, who himself had to make a similar transition from dirt racing to stock cars, sees a lot of similarities in Day’s journey. Both drivers come from non-stock car backgrounds, and both have shown immense promise in their respective disciplines. Day, despite his inexperience in stock car racing, has already demonstrated an impressive ability to feel the car’s grip and understand tire management—attributes that are crucial in stock car racing. Larson noted, “I think he’s got a good feel for grip and the tire and you know, he can live kind of on the limit. A lot like me. So yeah, I think he’s just, whether that being a sprint car or just in a short amount of starts of having a stock car, he’s young and he learns quickly so he’ll be good.”
This belief in Day’s potential is vital at this point in his career. While it’s clear that the young driver will face challenges and growing pains as he adjusts to NASCAR’s demands, the faith placed in him by figures like Larson and Hendrick Motorsports speaks volumes about his long-term prospects. Hendrick Motorsports’ decision to sign Day as a development driver speaks to their belief in his abilities and his future in the sport. Jeff Gordon, another member of the Hendrick Motorsports team, has also publicly expressed his confidence in Day, reinforcing the notion that the young driver has what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of stock car racing.
Despite all the backing, Day is still under significant pressure. The comparisons to Kyle Larson are hard to avoid, with many fans and pundits seeing him as a future star in the same vein as Larson, who has won the Cup Series and earned a reputation as one of the best drivers in the sport. However, it’s important for Day to maintain perspective and focus on steady growth rather than trying to live up to the overwhelming expectations of others. The weight of being compared to a driver of Larson’s caliber could easily become a burden, but Day must avoid allowing the media and fan pressure to dictate his career. Instead, he needs to focus on learning from each race, making gradual improvements, and taking his career step by step.
Corey Day’s journey is just beginning, and while his rookie season has been full of ups and downs, the support he’s received from Kyle Larson and others will be crucial as he continues to evolve as a driver. A long-term perspective is necessary if Day hopes to make it to the top levels of NASCAR. The lessons he learns from every race, including the mistakes, will ultimately shape his future. The road to success in NASCAR is long and filled with challenges, but with the right mindset, support, and development, Corey Day has the potential to become a major figure in the sport.
As Day looks ahead to future races, including the Truck Series events at Homestead-Miami and Martinsville Speedway, the encouragement from Larson will undoubtedly serve as a motivator. It’s a reminder that even the most successful drivers in NASCAR had to go through their own struggles before reaching the top. For Day, the key will be to take each setback in stride, continue learning, and remember that his journey is just beginning. The talent is there, and with the right guidance and a patient approach, Corey Day’s potential in NASCAR could be limitless.
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