Israeli NASCAR Racer Sends Strong Message: ‘Bring Them Home’

When Israel’s premier stock car racer, Alon Day, takes to the track at the NASCAR Xfinity Series Chicago Street Race on July 6, his car will carry a heartfelt tribute to the Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Day, a four-time EuroNASCAR champion, will drive car number 45, a Chevy Camaro, as part of the Alpha Prime Racing team.

Hailing from Ashdod, Day's car will feature a striking blue-and-white wrap with the word "chai," Hebrew for "life," prominently displayed on the hood. This powerful message underscores his commitment to raising awareness about the hostages.

A “show car” used for promotional events will display an alternate hood design with an Israeli flag inlaid in a Star of David and the phrase “Bring them home” underneath. However, due to NASCAR regulations prohibiting religious symbols on race cars, the race-day vehicle will bear the "chai" reference instead.

“Alon represents the heart and spirit of the Israeli people, commitment to excellence, tremendous work ethic, and ability to persevere in the face of enormous adversity,” said Neil Book, chairman and CEO of Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), one of Day’s sponsors.

Day, 32, has a distinguished racing career, having won NASCAR’s Whelen Euro Series championships in 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2022. He is the first Israeli driver to compete in an IndyCar-sanctioned series and one of NASCAR’s top three touring series.

Expressing his gratitude, Day thanked his sponsors for enabling him to compete in the Chicago Xfinity Street Race. “I will be piloting the 45 at jet speed through the streets of Chicago on July 6,” he said.

Day has long aspired to join NASCAR, aiming to transition from European circuits to the American racing scene. “I’ve done enough in the European sector. I want to extend myself. I want to be in NASCAR,” he told JNS before the prestigious Daytona 500 in February.

Tommy Joe Martins, president of Alpha Prime Sports, praised Day’s talent and fit for the Chicago Street Race. “Alon is a special talent, and I know his skillset is a perfect fit for the Chicago Street Race. Everyone at APR is so excited to have him,” Martins said.

The Xfinity Series is NASCAR’s second-tier circuit, with events typically held the day before a Cup Series event. The Chicago race, known as “The Loop 110,” will be a 50-lap event, followed by the Cup Series race on Sunday.

The race weekend will be packed with festivities, including a Saturday night concert by The Black Keys and The Chainsmokers. Day's participation and his car’s message serve as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by the Israeli hostages and their families.

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