The Chili Bowl Nationals is an iconic event in the world of dirt track racing, attracting some of the best drivers from around the globe. This year’s edition was no different, with high expectations from fans and drivers alike. However, one driver, in particular, had a disappointing performance – HMS star Corey Day.
After significant life changes, including a switch from sprint cars to midgets, Corey Day’s performance at the Chili Bowl Nationals this year was below par. Despite his best efforts, he was unable to recapture the magic that had earned him success in previous years. As he heads into his fourth attempt at claiming the coveted Chili Bowl Title, fans are left wondering – what’s going on with Corey Day?
Day’s journey to the Chili Bowl Nationals began in 2017, when he made his debut at the event. Racing for Keith Kunz Motorsports, Day showed immense potential, finishing in the top ten in his preliminary night. The following year, he returned to the Chili Bowl and improved upon his performance, finishing in fifth place overall. The stage was set for Day to make a name for himself in the dirt track racing world.
But then came 2019, and with it, significant changes in Day’s life. He parted ways with Keith Kunz Motorsports and joined forces with Hendrick Motorsports (HMS). His switch from sprint cars to midgets was a bold move, but one that he hoped would pay off in the long run. And it did, as Day went on to win the 2019 Chili Bowl Nationals, becoming the youngest winner in the event’s history.
With his first Chili Bowl victory under his belt, Day was expected to continue his success in 2020. However, the racing world was hit by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the Chili Bowl was canceled. This meant that Day had to wait two years before he could defend his title. And when he finally got the chance in 2021, things didn’t go according to plan.
Despite being a past champion, Day had to compete in the B-Main to qualify for the A-Main race. And even then, he failed to make it to the top ten, finishing in 12th place. This was a significant blow for Day, who had been on top just two years ago. But instead of making excuses or blaming others, Day took full responsibility for his performance.
In a post-race interview, Day said, “We don’t cheat. We don’t cut corners. We work hard as a team, and we show up to race. But sometimes, things just don’t go our way.” This statement speaks volumes about Day’s character and integrity, which is something that should be commended in the highly competitive world of racing.
So what is causing Day’s subpar performances at the Chili Bowl Nationals? Some believe that the switch from sprint cars to midgets could be the reason, as the two types of racing require different skill sets. However, Day has shown success in both disciplines, so this cannot be the only reason.
Others speculate that the pressure of living up to the expectations of being a past champion is getting to Day. With fans and media always expecting more from him, it can be challenging to perform under such pressure. However, Day has shown in the past that he has what it takes to handle the pressure and succeed.
Whatever the reason may be, one thing is for sure – Day is not giving up. With the 2025 season being his fourth attempt at claiming the Chili Bowl Title, he is determined to succeed. And as fans, we should not give up on him either. After all, everyone goes through ups and downs in their careers, and Day is no exception.
In fact, Day’s struggles only make him more relatable and human. It shows that even the best of the best can have off days, but what matters is how they bounce back from it. And there is no doubt that Day will come back stronger and more determined than ever before.
In the end, all we can do is support and cheer for Corey Day as he chases his dream of reclaiming the Chili Bowl Title. Let us not forget that he is still a young racer with a bright future ahead of him. And who knows, maybe one day, we will witness him standing on the top step of the podium once again, with the Chili Bowl trophy in hand.