NASCAR Euro Series veteran Day set for Cup debut

Former NASCAR Next member and NASCAR Whelen Euro Series star Alon Day will make his Monster Energy Series debut next weekend at Sonoma Raceway.

Day will drive the No. 23 for BK Racing with sponsorship from EarthWater Limited. When he takes the green flag in the Toyota/Save Mart 350, Day will become the first Israeli driver to have competed in NASCAR's premier series.

"I'm very excited to make my debut in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series next week in Sonoma," Day said in a team release. "Being the first Israeli who is going to race in NASCAR's highest series is a dream come true. I must thank BK Racing, EarthWater Limited, as well as (NFL) Hall of Famer Franco Harris, Super Bakery, and Silversport for giving me this awesome opportunity."

The last two years, Day has finished second and third in the Whelen Euro Series point standings. Last Sunday, he was crowned the "King of Brands Hatch" after winning on the UK's most prestigious track. He currently sits second in series points.

Day was voted Israel's 2016 "Athlete of the Year."

In addition to his NASCAR Whelen Euro Series experience, the 25-year-old Day has four career NASCAR starts between the Camping World Truck and Xfinity Series. An impressive 13th-place finish in the August Mid-Ohio Xfinity Series race (pictured) driving for Carl Long's underfunded team helped Day gain attention.

"I like giving new drivers an opportunity, and Alon is a great road course driver," BK Racing team owner Ron Devine said. "He has been successful in other series around the world and deserves a shot in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series."

BK Racing says Day also has plans to compete in the Cup Series race at Watkins Glen as well as select Truck and Xfinity Series races.