Hendrick Motorsports has tapped development driver Corey Day to compete full-time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2026, the organization confirmed on Friday.
The 19-year-old driver, who made a total of 11 appearances in NASCAR’s second-tier division in 2025, will pilot the No. 17 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, fielded by Hendrick Motorsports — the winningest team in the history of the NASCAR Cup Series.
After a successful season serving as crew chief of the No. 17 Chevrolet in 2025, Adam Wall will return to Hendrick Motorsports once again to serve as shot-caller for Corey Day.
The next generation is here! @corey_day_ is officially joining Hendrick Motorsports full-time in 2026, driving the No. 17 @HendrickCars Chevrolet.
? https://t.co/DpH8PPCBo9 pic.twitter.com/nfnWHWl6Gt
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) November 7, 2025
“The opportunity to race full time for Mr. Hendrick and Hendrick Motorsports is something I’ve been working toward and feel I’m ready for,” Day said. “I’ve learned so much from everyone here this past year, and I’m grateful for the chance to represent HendrickCars.com every week in 2026. Adam and the No. 17 team have shown the ability to win races, and I can’t wait to build on that foundation and compete for a championship.”
Across 11 starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (O’Reilly Auto Parts Series), Day was able to record a single top-five finish (a fourth-place result at Las Vegas in October) and a pair of top-10 finishes (finishing ninth at World Wide Technology Raceway).
The native of Clovis, California, also competed in nine NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events in 2025, with a pair of top-five finishes at Nashville Superspeedway and Indianapolis Raceway Park, and three top-10s.
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“Corey impressed us with how quickly he adapted this year,” said Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports. “He’ll go into 2026 with less pavement experience than anyone in the field, but you’d never know it by watching him drive. The instincts and raw talent are off the charts, and he’s going to keep getting better with more seat time. Corey has a tremendous future, and we’re proud to have him represent HendrickCars.com.”
The No. 17 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet greatly expanded its NASCAR Xfinity Series schedule in 2025, competing in 21 of 33 events with drivers Alex Bowman, Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, William Byron, Jake Finch, Rajah Caruth, and Corey Day. The team recorded two wins, nine top-fives, and 10 top-10s with a rotation of drivers, and led the third-most laps in the series.
Day will look to compete for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series championship beginning with the season-opener at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 14.
One Response
Corey Day will represent Rick Hendrick and Hendrick Cars. Com very well. He is the future of Hendrick Motorsports and will probably replace Alex Bowman. I can’t wait to see him run a full season and I really believe he is ready. Go Cory #17