Ashdod native shares his journey from growing up in Israel to the winner’s circle, racing to raise awareness for the Israeli hostages held in Gaza.
In a "high-octane" episode of IsraelCast, the official podcast of Jewish National Fund-USA, host Steven Shalowitz sits down with Alon Day, Israel’s top professional race car driver. Known for shattering records as the first Israeli to compete in NASCAR’s top circuits, Day opens up about his career, identity, and mission to represent his country on and off the track.
Calling in from Mooresville, North Carolina—America’s racing capital—Day recounts the extraordinary circumstances that brought him to his latest NASCAR run: a 66-hour journey involving missiles, closed Israeli airspace, and a last-minute escape by boat from Ashdod to Cyprus, all while his pregnant wife remained behind. “I would’ve walked or swum if I had to,” he told Shalowitz. “Racing in America is the dream.”
But Day’s mission is bigger than speed. A former resident of Kibbutz Kfar Aza, one of the communities brutally attacked by Hamas on October 7, Day is racing to keep the global spotlight on the hostages still held in Gaza. His race suit features a bright yellow ribbon, and his car bears the Hebrew word “Chai”—symbolizing life and Jewish resilience. “I’m not racing just for trophies anymore,” Day said. “I feel like I’m carrying a nation.”
Day praised his sponsor, Neil Book, CEO of Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), for embracing his Israeli identity in an environment where many companies shy away from politics. “Most doors closed when they heard I was Israeli. Neil said, ‘Let’s go.’ That support changed everything.”
Throughout the episode, Day reflects on the physical and mental demands of professional motorsports, the growing popularity of racing in Israel, and his long-term hope to see international races hosted in the Jewish state. He also expresses pride in fellow Israeli driver Guy Albag, whose sister was recently freed from Hamas captivity.
Despite facing antisemitism and cyber threats—even having his phone hacked mid-race—Day remains steadfast. “We must stay loud, proud, and united,” he said. “This is our fight—not just Israel’s, but every Jew’s.”
The episode, released August 6, is available on all major podcast platforms and at jnf.org/israelcast
