NASCAR champ admits he’s “scared” to participate in upcoming event


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This Friday in Charlotte, NASCAR's Euro Series driver, Alon Day will be honored for winning the 2017 championship.

The Israeli born driver will be recognized during NASCAR's annual Touring and Weekly Night of Champions at the Charlotte Convention Center. In an interview with  NBC Sports, Day revealed that's he not too excited for one event in particular.

"I'm actually scared," Day said as he laughed. "Driving the car is easier than having to make a speech."

"I have to thank so many people for giving me this opportunity because back in 2015, I was out of racing," Day added. "I have a lot of people to thank when I go on stage, I hope to be able to speak."

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When Day arrived in the U.S. in 2016, and started in two Xfinity Series races, including a 13th place finish in his debut at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, OH. He also made two additional starts in the Camping World Truck Series, before making his Cup Series debut earlier this year at Sonoma, where he finished 32nd.

"It's unbelievable to think I came to NASCAR three years ago," Day said. "In three years, I never thought I'd achieve the European championship, driving a Truck, Xfinity and (be) in a Cup race, it's just amazing."

Day has hopes of being able to secure a full-time ride in the Cup Series for 2018.

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"The goal is definitely Cup," Day said. "I know ovals can be a bit tricky for me, coming from Europe and the road course experience, but I think I'm capable of driving on the Cup level."

"If not that, then Xfinity or anything I can do in the States because this here is the real NASCAR," added Day. "The real deal is definitely here."