Cup debut a 'dream come true' for Day

Alon Day is no longer a kid competing on one of his NASCAR video games. He's doing the real thing this weekend at Sonoma Raceway in his Monster Energy Series debut for BK Racing in the No. 23 Toyota.

"It's definitely, definitely a dream come true," Day said. "I'm super excited. It's kind of history – not only for me, it's history for Israel, for everybody, and I'm pretty sure that in Israel people are really excited and rooting for me. Yeah, I'm just excited and I can't wait to go drive the car."

The 2016 Israeli Athlete of the Year, Day will become the first driver from Israel to compete in NASCAR's premier series when he takes the green flag in the Sonoma Save / Mart 350. Day is a full-time competitor the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series and was recently crowned "King of Brands Hatch."

Since the announcement was made last week, Day said time has passed by quickly. He's also been swarmed with media attention.

"Suddenly, I'm here in Sonoma and I'm driving the car," said Day (pictured), who was 31st and 23rd, respectively, in Friday's two practice sessions. "It was definitely a stressful two weeks. I'm still happy – didn't even celebrate my victory (at Brands Hatch) and now I'm over here in Sonoma. I hope this one will be good and then I can celebrate two races in one party."

A win Sunday is far-fetched, something Day himself admits. Although last year he raised eyebrows by taking a Dodge owned by Carl Long and finishing 13th with it at Mid-Ohio in the Xfinity Series. But Day is not giving himself a target to chase Sunday.

"I know I'm not in the best equipment, that's for sure," Day said. "Everybody knows that. Winning is not – it's not going to be; it's not even in my head. I'm just trying to do the best I can in the equipment that I'm driving and have the best result. I think the first task of all is to stay out of trouble.

"This is my first race. I'm not familiar with the car, with the drivers, with the championship, with the track. So, try to get in easy and as I said, try to get a good result."

From there, Day will next target the Watkins Glen road course in August and hopefully some NASCAR ovals down the road.