Corey Day, a developmental driver for Hendrick Motorsports, made a significant impression at the 2025 World of Outlaws World Finals. During the MicroLite Last Chance Showdown at the Charlotte dirt track, the 19‑year‑old behind the wheel of the Jason Meyers Racing No. 14 executed a daring late‑race overtake, catching the attention of racing fans and fellow HMS prospect Rajah Caruth. Day performed back‑to‑back sliders to pass Cale Thomas in the closing laps, a bold move that earned him a spot in the night’s feature race. Starting 21st, he surged through the field to finish an impressive third.
After the race, Day reflected on his performance, noting his satisfaction with the track conditions and acknowledging the challenges his team faced after a poor qualifying run. He remained optimistic about the car’s potential and the progress they are making.
The World Finals event featured three series: the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars, the Real American Beer Late Models, and the Super DIRTcar Big‑Block Modifieds. Notable winners included Rico Abreu, who captured his first‑ever World Finals win in the Sprint Car feature, and Hudson O’Neal, who stole the Late Model race with a final‑corner pass.
Day’s impressive display came just hours before Hendrick Motorsports announced that he will drive the No. 17 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet full‑time in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. This marks a significant step in his rapid rise; he joined HMS late last year after strong showings in both dirt and late‑model competition. In 2025, Day made 11 Xfinity starts, earning two top‑10 finishes, including a fourth place at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and posted two top‑5 finishes and a pole in the Craftsman Truck Series, showcasing his adaptability.
Day’s ability to transition between sprint cars and stock cars has drawn comparisons to his mentor, Kyle Larson, who seamlessly moved from dirt to NASCAR success. With his full‑time move to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Day is poised to build on his foundation and compete for a championship. His growing reputation as one of the most versatile young racers in NASCAR has garnered attention throughout the racing community, and his future prospects appear promising.
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