NASCAR O'Reilly teams endorse Corey Day's lead lap return decision
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 21, 2026, 5:54 AM
Last updated Jun 21, 2026
At the O’Reilly Series event on June 20 at Naval Base Coronado, NASCAR allowed Corey Day to return to the lead lap after damage from a loose sewer vent cover punctured his radiator on the opening lap. The decision followed significant repairs during a red flag and received widespread support from team executives, many of whom acknowledged the rarity of such concessions. Although some expressed skepticism over whether smaller teams would receive similar treatment, the consensus among most in the garage was of fairness in a unique situation. NASCAR deemed the damage their responsibility, prompting the unprecedented decision to permit Day to rejoin the race.
- •Corey Day returned to the lead lap after early radiator damage.
- •Repairs occurred under a red flag, a rare allowance by NASCAR.
- •Most team executives praised the decision, citing fairness.
- •Concerns about equitable treatment among smaller teams were raised.
- •The incident highlights NASCAR's evolving approach to race control.
- 5:54 AMMotorsport.com — NASCAR O'Reilly teams all praised Corey Day race control decision
- 5:54 AMYahoo Sports — NASCAR O'Reilly teams all praised Corey Day race control decision
"If what happened to the Hendrick Motorsports No. 17 happened to you, would you have received the same courtesy? That was a question asked to numerous team executives in the O’Reilly Series garage on Saturday night at Naval Base Coronado. This was in response to NASCAR allowing Corey Day back on the lead lap after a loose sewer vent cover punctured his radiator on the opening lap ...Keep reading
"Practically everyone in the garage said it was fair and just
Sources
External links- Motorsport.comJun 21, 2026, 5:54 AMNASCAR O'Reilly teams all praised Corey Day race control decision
If what happened to the Hendrick Motorsports No. 17 happened to you, would you have received the same courtesy? That was a question asked to numerous team executives in the O’Reilly Series garage on Saturday night at Naval Base Coronado. This was in response to NASCAR allowing Corey Day back on the lead lap after a loose sewer vent cover punctured his radiator on the opening lap ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsJun 21, 2026, 5:54 AMNASCAR O'Reilly teams all praised Corey Day race control decision
Practically everyone in the garage said it was fair and just
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