Corey Day Dominates Qualifying and First Stage at Rockingham

The 21-year-old Hendrick Motorsports driver is poised for his first career NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series victory.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 9:22am

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Corey Day, the 21-year-old driver from Clovis, California, entered the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Rockingham Speedway as the man to beat. He backed up that status by capturing the pole position on Friday and then winning the first stage of the race on Saturday, marking a significant milestone for his Hendrick Motorsports team.

Why it matters

Day's dominant performance in qualifying and the opening stage of the race has shifted the narrative around him from 'consistent contender' to 'dominant force.' If he can translate this early success into a full-event victory, it would be a breakthrough moment in his young career and could propel him towards his first career series win.

The details

In qualifying, Day clocked a lap of 22.717 seconds at 148.963 mph, securing the pole position. This was Hendrick Motorsports' first pole at Rockingham since 1985. In the race, Day continued his dominance by winning the first stage, further cementing his status as the driver to beat. The battle for the front row was a clash of momentum and pedigree, with Day edging out defending series champion Jesse Love for the pole position.

  • On Friday, Corey Day captured the pole position for the North Carolina Education Lottery 250.
  • On Saturday, Corey Day won the first stage of the North Carolina Education Lottery 250.

The players

Corey Day

A 21-year-old driver from Clovis, California, who is currently seventh in the 2026 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series driver standings.

Jesse Love

The defending NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series champion, who started the race alongside Corey Day on the front row.

Hendrick Motorsports

The racing team that fields Corey Day's No. 17 Chevrolet Camaro in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series.

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What they’re saying

“I felt I 'rolled through' Turns 1 and 2 exceptionally well, and that's what really made the difference in qualifying.”

— Corey Day, Driver

What’s next

If Corey Day can maintain his dominance and translate his early success into a full-event victory, it would be a breakthrough moment in his young career and could propel him towards his first career NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series win.

The takeaway

Corey Day's dominant performance in qualifying and the opening stage of the Rockingham race has established him as the driver to beat, shifting the narrative around him from 'consistent contender' to 'dominant force.' This could be a pivotal moment in his career as he seeks his first career series victory.