NASCAR Regional drivers to watch: Corey Day emerges, Kole Raz breaks out

A common theme in short track racing is that the next great star can come from anywhere.

Whether a driver is gaining experience in Late Model Stocks or mixing it up with Modified veterans in the northeast, being in the right place at the right time could be crucial towards taking a first major step into NASCAR's top ranks.

The following five drivers have all made individual cases as ones to watch following standout showings over the past few weeks.

Corey Day

Sprint car standout Corey Day made a surprise appearance in a JR Motorsports Late Model Stock at Hickory Motor Speedway on April 27, where he proceeded to win the second 40-lap feature.

Despite never competing in a Late Model Stock before that evening, Day showed composure and maturity around the abrasive Hickory track surface. While no other races are planned for him at the moment, Day's strong first impression at Hickory has generated plenty of attention about his potential in pavement racing. 

Kole Raz

The first ARCA Menards Series West victory for Kole Raz came in thrilling fashion, as he fended off Trevor Huddleston in a photo finish at Kevin Harvick's Kern Raceway, which Huddleston's family operates.

Raz carried plenty of short track experience into the West Series, having won marquee Super Late Model events like the Chilly Willy and Summer Showdown. Raz's statement victory in just his third West Series start only served to bolster his growing stock. 

Dawson Sutton

Three victories for Dawson Sutton during the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway in the Pro Late Model division currently have him as a contender in Division II of the NASCAR Advance Auto Parts Weekly Series.

The son of Rackley Roofing president Curtis Sutton, Dawson has gained plenty of experience over the past year with Pro Late Model and Super Late Model starts around the country with Rackley W.A.R. He added on to his background by making his NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series debut at North Wilkesboro Speedway.

Michael Bumgarner

The next driver to add their name to Hickory Motor Speedway's notable list of track champions could be Michael Bumgarner, who tacked on his second victory of the season last weekend.

A relative newcomer to short track racing, Bumgarner has made starts all around the Southeast but since become a track regular at Hickory. Winning on Saturday only served to bolster Bumgarner's advantage in the track standings to more than 40 points.

Jaron Giannini

The battle for the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Bullring track championship is currently controlled by Jaron Giannini, who has two victories during the 2024 season.

Giannini has been building up his short track resume during the last few years with starts in Legends, Modifieds and Pro Late Models. Maintaining consistency over the rest of the year will be crucial towards Gianinni gaining more recognition with a LVMS Bullring title.