Alon Day is gearing up for the NASCAR Xfinity Series race in Chicago, where he will not only be chasing victory but also honoring those held captive by Hamas after the recent terrorist attacks. As the lone Israeli driver in the NASCAR ranks, Day is driven by a deeper purpose this time around. He will be behind the wheel of the No. 45 Chevy Camaro, sponsored by Alpha Prime Racing, Jet Support Services Inc. (JSSI), and Setna iO.
Day shared that he has five friends among the 116 people still believed to be hostages of Hamas. This personal connection has fueled his motivation to not only race for his own success but also for his country, the hostages, Israeli soldiers, and the Jewish community in the United States. This added layer of meaning has pushed Day to strive for even greater achievements on the track.
Amidst preparing for the race, Day expressed concern over the growing anti-Israel sentiments that have made the streets of Chicago feel unsafe, particularly due to pro-Hamas protests. He emphasized the need to conceal his Jewish identity while in the city, drawing parallels to past historical events that saw discrimination based on religious beliefs.
To raise awareness and show solidarity, Day’s car will feature a JSSI-branded wrap in the colors of the Israeli flag, along with the Hebrew word for life as a tribute to the hostages. The CEO of JSSI, Neil Book, highlighted the shock of witnessing support for Hamas in response to the recent attacks on Israel, emphasizing the importance of educating others about the ongoing situation in the region.
Day hopes to shed light on the realities of the conflict and address misconceptions that may arise from limited information or social media influence. He likened supporting Hamas to endorsing Usama bin Laden post-9/11 and emphasized the need for accurate education and understanding before forming opinions on complex geopolitical issues.
Despite facing tough competition in the Xfinity Series race, Day’s presence in Chicago amid rising antisemitism stands as a significant achievement. Book commended Day for racing with the Israeli flag and anticipated a competitive spirit from the determined driver. While victory remains the ultimate goal, Day’s symbolic participation in the race carries significant meaning in the current climate.
As Day gears up for the race, his mission goes beyond crossing the finish line first. By using his platform in NASCAR to raise awareness, honor hostages, and combat antisemitism, Day exemplifies the power of sports in advocating for important social causes and fostering understanding in a divided world.