Israeli NASCAR Driver Alon Day to Honor Hostages Held by Hamas

Israeli NASCAR driver Alon Day will pay homage to hostages held captive by Hamas in his upcoming race, condemning the rise of anti-Semitism and calling attention to the dangerous atmosphere created by pro-Hamas protests.

Israeli NASCAR driver Alon Day will pay tribute to hostages held captive by Hamas in his upcoming race, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and condemning the rise of anti-Semitism.

Day, the lone Israeli driver in NASCAR, will honor those still held captive by Hamas after its Oct. 7 terrorist attacks. He will drive his Camaro for Alpha Prime Racing, with Jet Support Services inc. (JSSI) and Setna iO as two of the sponsors.

Israeli NASCAR Driver Alon Day to Honor Hostages Held by Hamas

Day's car will be adorned with the Hebrew word for life, חי, in tribute to the hostages. However, a setback occurred when Day crashed his car during a practice session, preventing him from competing in the race due to Alpha Prime Racing's lack of a backup car.

Despite the setback, Day remains unwavering in his support for the hostages, as five of his friends are among the 116 people believed to be held captive by Hamas.

Israeli NASCAR Driver Alon Day to Honor Hostages Held by Hamas

"I think I'm more motivated than ever," Day said. "I won four times, the European Championship, and I always did it for my own success. But this time, I'm doing it for the country, the hostages, the soldiers, and the Jewish community. I'm motivated by something else, by the war, by friends that are still hostages."

Day also expressed concern over the heightened anti-Semitism and the dangerous environment created by pro-Hamas protests.

Israeli NASCAR Driver Alon Day to Honor Hostages Held by Hamas

"The pro-Hamas protests on the streets, especially in Chicago, are getting really dangerous," he said. "I was there for a couple of days and felt the need to check that I'm not wearing anything that could identify myself as Jewish. It sounds like Germany in the '30s that I need to hide my Judaism."

Two anti-Israel protesters were arrested at NASCAR's second annual Chicago Street Race after locking themselves inside the fence for 40 minutes, holding up signs condemning Israel and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.

The organizers of the protest released a statement condemning "local, state, and federal governments' ongoing genocide and mass imprisonment agenda." They also criticized Day's support for Israel and NASCAR's involvement in the Chicago race.

Day remains determined to raise awareness about the hostages and the rise of anti-Semitism. His actions serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggles and the need for unity and support in the face of adversity.