Veteran NASCAR reporter Bob Pockrass came to the defense of 19-year-old driver Corey Day after some questioned his lackluster results in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. Despite Day’s struggles, Pockrass emphasized his talent on dirt tracks and stressed that he needs time to adapt to NASCAR machinery.
Currently competing part-time in the Truck Series with Spire Motorsports, Day has yet to post standout results. His most recent outing at Martinsville Speedway ended in disappointment with a DNF on lap 158. When a social media user suggested Day’s hype was undeserved, Pockrass responded by pointing out the Californian’s success in dirt racing, particularly in head-to-head battles with Kyle Larson. He also noted that Hendrick Motorsports backs Day and believes he needs more time to learn asphalt racing.
“I never judge a driver until they return to a track for the second time and understand how the car should feel,” Pockrass explained.
Day’s 2025 Truck Series campaign began with a 15th-place finish at Homestead-Miami Speedway, where his Spire Motorsports teammate Kyle Larson took the win. He showed early promise at Las Vegas Motor Speedway by earning pole position but ultimately finished 27th. Alongside his NASCAR commitments, Day also races in High Limit Racing, a 410 winged sprint car series co-owned by Larson.
Looking ahead, Day is set to compete in five more Truck Series races at Bristol, Rockingham, Nashville, Indianapolis, and Darlington. He will also run 10 races in the Xfinity Series for Hendrick Motorsports, including this weekend’s race at Martinsville.
Corey Day on Kyle Larson’s Influence
Day has openly acknowledged the impact Kyle Larson has had on his career, describing his support as “huge” in helping him progress through the NASCAR ranks. After securing pole position at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Day credited both Larson and Christopher Bell for their guidance.
“They’re the only two from the dirt racing world who are winning at the highest level,” Day said. “To have one of them in my corner is a big help.”
Beyond NASCAR, Day also competes part-time in the ARCA Menards Series with Spire Motorsports, achieving a season-best 10th-place finish at Phoenix Raceway. He will return to ARCA action at Sonoma Raceway in July and Kansas Speedway in September, continuing his development across multiple racing series.
