As the 2025 NASCAR season approaches, the next generation of talent is making waves in the racing world. One name that keeps coming up in prospect discussions is Corey Day, the 18-year-old dirt racing sensation from Clovis, California. With a background in sprint cars and an aggressive, smooth driving style, many are already drawing comparisons between Day and 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson. But does he have what it takes to follow in Larson’s footsteps?
Corey Day’s Path to NASCAR
Corey Day has been a standout in dirt racing, excelling in both winged and non-winged sprint cars. He gained national attention by competing in the World of Outlaws, USAC, and high-profile events like the Chili Bowl Nationals. His ability to adapt to different track conditions and his raw car control have impressed fans and insiders alike.
While he has yet to make a full-time move to pavement racing, Day has already tested the waters in late models and open-wheel pavement cars, showing promising speed. His natural talent has caught the eye of NASCAR teams looking for the next big star.
Kyle Larson Comparisons: Justified or Premature?
Similarities:
1. Dirt Track Domination – Like Larson, Day has built his career on dirt and established himself as one of the best young sprint car drivers in the country.
2. Elite Car Control – Day’s ability to handle high-horsepower, loose-handling cars in extreme conditions is reminiscent of Larson’s skillset.
3. Versatility Potential – If given the chance, many believe Day could quickly adapt to stock cars, just as Larson did when he moved from sprint cars to NASCAR in 2012.
Differences:
1. Pavement Experience – Larson made his transition to stock cars early, competing in ARCA and NASCAR’s lower series before earning a Cup ride at just 21. Day has limited asphalt experience, which could slow his development compared to Larson’s rapid rise.
2. Manufacturer and Team Support – Larson had backing from Toyota and Chevrolet at different points in his career. While Day is gaining attention, he has yet to secure a major manufacturer development deal.
Where Does Corey Day Fit in 2025 Prospect Rankings?
Day is widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the U.S., but his ranking depends on how quickly he can transition to stock cars. While other young drivers like Jesse Love, William Sawalich, and Gio Ruggiero are already competing in ARCA and the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Day remains more of a raw prospect with untapped potential.
However, if a team like Hendrick Motorsports, JR Motorsports, or Toyota Racing Development brings him into the pipeline, he could accelerate his NASCAR path in a big way.
Will Day Make the Jump?
The biggest question is whether Corey Day will fully commit to a NASCAR career. Drivers like Christopher Bell and Kyle Larson successfully made the switch, but others, like Rico Abreu, chose to remain in dirt racing rather than chase a stock car future.
If Day does make the move, his natural talent could make him a force to be reckoned with. With the right guidance and equipment, he has the potential to be the next dirt-racing prodigy to make it big in NASCAR.
For now, the comparisons to Kyle Larson are speculative—but if Day lands a stock car opportunity in 2025, the racing world will be watching closely.
