Alon Day is one of only a few drivers in NASCAR history of Israeli heritage and is a self-proclaimed “road-course specialist.” The Ashdod, Israel native’s first experience racing occurred on a go-kart track, which appeared to be a dream destined to fade away. 

Since racing is not prominent in Israel, he had to find somewhere new to kickstart his career. NASCAR, across Europe and America, presented the perfect opportunities for him to pursue.

In ten years of NASCAR racing, Day is now a four time champion in the Euro Series, winning the title in 2017, 2018, 2020 and 2022. He has racked up 32 wins in the series, ten more than second-place Ander Vilariño.

Most NASCAR drivers have a specific tradition that they do after each win. Rituals can range from backflips off a car roof to smashing a watermelon onto the track or even a simple bow to the audience.

Alon Day uses the moment to embrace his heritage. Day climbs onto the roof of his car and waves an Israeli flag. 

Beyond Europe, Day has also made a few starts in the top three series of American NASCAR in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2024. In his first start on Aug. 13, 2016, he made history, becoming the first Israeli driver to compete in any of NASCAR’s top three series, finishing a career-best 13th.

His time in America did not prove to be as fruitful as Europe. The level of competition during those years is among the highest in racing history, with some of the sport’s biggest stars coming up through the ranks in now three-time champion Joey Logano, and Xfinity Series champions Tyler Reddick, William Byron and Daniel Suarez.

Despite racing in a sport that is often perceived as American and patriotic, Day has not forgotten his Israeli heritage.

The Ashdod native has lived close to the Gaza border and the frequent conflict, especially present since war broke out, partially inspired an interest in military service.

Day served for three years in the Israeli Defense Forces before racing and had a separate dream if his future NASCAR career fizzled out. He told the New York Daily News about how the military could have connected to his love of being behind the wheel.

“People ask me what I would do if I wasn’t a race car driver…I always say I would try to be a fighter pilot,” Day said.

Day’s home has been affected by the Israel-Hamas war, and he has friends who were captured by Hamas on Oct. 7.

Two of his friends in captivity, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher, returned to Israel in the first release of the hostage deal on Jan. 19. Three others, Gali Berman, Ziv Berman and Liri Albag, remain in captivity.

Before the scheduled race in the streets of Chicago in June 2024, Day spoke to Jewish Chicago to talk about his car’s special paint scheme for the race.

“I’m coming to the States to raise awareness about Israel and about antisemitism because America is a big part of Israel; they’re probably our biggest ally. If they’re gone, we are gone,” Day said.

Day had a sponsorship from Jet Support Services with the message “הי“ on the hood, which translates to “life.” NASCAR does not permit religious symbols on cars, so the “הי“ was the closest he could get to showing support for Israel in the war.

Day has not scheduled a ride or any starts for the 2025 season, but he is exploring opportunities to further his NASCAR and racing career.