The premier organization in stock car racing says its next superstar could be 19-year-old Corey Day of Clovis.

Day is one of the hottest young talents in dirt racing but has limited experience on paved tracks.

Hendrick Motorsports — home to NASCAR legends such as Jeff Gordon and current standout Kyle Larson — believes that Day has all the right stuff to succeed in racing’s big leagues.

“When Kyle Larson and Jeff Gordon say someone is the real deal, it certainly gets your attention,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, in a news release.

“Corey comes from a great racing family and in a short time has shown a level of talent that sets him apart. What he’s already accomplished at this point in his career speaks volumes, and it’s been impressive to see how quickly he’s adapted to pavement. We’re excited to welcome him to our team.”

Jeff Gordon Attends Day’s Contract Signing

Day signed with the North Carolina-based organization last month. Gordon, who is vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports, was on hand for the occasion.

“I can remember multiple times as a little kid, watching NASCAR races and crying because Jeff Gordon didn’t win,” Day said. “So, to be sitting next to him signing a contract is just unbelievable.”

Day will run events this season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series, ARCA Series, and Trans-Am Series with sponsorship from HendrickCars.com.

Big Sprint Car Victories in 2023-24

In 2024, he raced full-time in the High Limit sprint car series and competed in select World of Outlaws events, collecting 10 wins, 25 top-five finishes, and 44 top 10s in 73 starts. The highlight: a victory in the 83rd Turkey Night Grand Prix, becoming the youngest winner ever in the third-oldest race in the U.S.

After being named the 2022 Chili Bowl Rookie of the Year, he followed in the footsteps of his father, Ronnie Day, to earn the 2023 King of the West 410 NARC championship. He also won the prestigious 2023 World of Outlaws Gold Cup Race of Champions.

Moving From Dirt to Pavement

Last year, Day ran four pavement races in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and three in ARCA.

“It’s a lot different than what I’m used to doing. There’s just so many differences,” Day said of transitioning from dirt to pavement. “It’s still a race car, of course, and I don’t get into it every time and forget how to drive them, but it’s just way different.

“Your positioning on the track is different. We turn right going around the corner (on dirt) because we’re sideways. We turn left on pavement. Just a lot of things, but it was really good to get laps (in 2024) and at least not be completely fresh next year with such a big year ahead of me.”