In this high-octane episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz welcomes Alon Day, Israel’s trailblazing professional race car driver and four-time NASCAR Whelen Euro Series champion. Speaking from North Carolina, Day shares his dramatic journey from Israel to the American racetrack—literally sailing from Ashdod to Cyprus to escape closed airspace following Iranian attacks on Israel, all in pursuit of his dream to race in the U.S.
Beyond his racing accolades, Day opens up about his mission off the track: keeping the plight of the Israeli hostages top of mind. Having lived in Kibbutz Kfar Aza—one of the communities devastated on October 7—he now races with a yellow ribbon and the word “Chai” emblazoned on his car, symbolizing life and solidarity.
Day also delves into the rigorous physical and mental demands of motorsports, how Israel’s racing culture is growing, and his gratitude to his sponsor Neil Book of JSSI, who backed him despite growing antisemitism. With humility, humor, and a fearless drive, Alon Day exemplifies Israeli resilience—on and off the track—racing not just for podiums, but for pride, purpose, and peoplehood.
Alon Day is an acclaimed Israeli professional stock car racing driver. As a four-time champion of the NASCAR Whelen Euro Series, Day made history as the first Israeli to compete in both an IndyCar-sanctioned series and one of NASCAR's top three touring series, setting new milestones in the Israeli motorsports.