19-Year-Old Corey Day Makes History as Youngest Turkey Night GP Winner
Corey Day made history at the 83rd ARP Turkey Night Grand Prix, becoming the event's youngest winner at age 19. Driving for Willie Kahne at California's Ventura Raceway, Day secured the victory with a decisive move just 17 laps from the finish.
Man kisses trophy at racing event
Starting from eighth position, Day steadily worked his way through the field in his Triple X/Wirth Mopar, powered by a 20-year-old engine. The win earned him $15,000 and continued California drivers' dominance of the event, marking the fifth consecutive Turkey Night victory for the state.
The 98-lap race saw multiple lead changes, with Jacob Denney controlling the early stages before Buddy Kofoid took command. Day made his winning move on lap 82, passing Denney on the bottom line as rubber began to build on the track. He held off late challenges to secure a 1.009-second victory over Kofoid, with Daison Pursley finishing third.
Notable achievements from the event:
- Daison Pursley clinched the 2024 USAC NOS Energy Drink Midget National Championship
- Zach Wigal earned both the Don Basile Rookie of the Race and Max Papis Innovations USAC National Midget Rookie of the Year awards
- Tanner Carrick claimed hard charger honors, advancing nine positions to finish 10th
The victory marked Day's first season-ending win in his racing career, made even more special by coming in one of motorsport's most prestigious events. The young driver credited his team and the reliability of his veteran powerplant for the historic achievement.
[Complete race results and lap leaders included in original format]
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