Rick Hendrick NASCAR future investment has drawn major attention after he signed 19-year-old dirt track standout Corey Day to a multi-year agreement, marking a significant shift in development strategy for Hendrick Motorsports and possibly previewing a new era in the sport. With Corey Day now competing part-time for the No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports Xfinity car and racing select ARCA events, swirling speculation suggests he could soon secure a full-time seat and become a focal point of Hendrick’s long-term plans.
Corey Day’s Meteoric Rise in Multiple Series
Announced in December 2024, Corey Day’s deal with Hendrick Motorsports stunned many across the NASCAR landscape and in the broader motorsports world. Originally from Clovis, California, Day quickly slotted into the team’s developmental ladder, establishing himself through impressive versatility on both dirt and pavement. His transition included partial Xfinity races with the No. 17, as well as select ARCA outings under Spire Motorsports’ banner.
Day validated the excitement with concrete results. He posted a fourth-place finish at the ARCA race in Phoenix, followed by a strong showing at Kansas. In the Truck Series, Day powered his way from 16th to finish second at Indianapolis Raceway Park—a leap showcasing his adaptability against elite competition. Notably, Day also etched his name in history at the 2024 Turkey Night Grand Prix by becoming the youngest winner to ever claim that celebrated dirt track trophy.
His dirt record further cements his reputation as a generational talent, with ten High Limit Sprint Car Series victories that have caught the attention of veterans such as Ken Schrader. These performances, paired with respectable debuts on pavement—such as a winning run in a late model at Hickory and a Trans Am start at Sonoma—underscore his ability to cross racing disciplines seamlessly. Each milestone added momentum to persistent rumors that Hendrick intends to make him a cornerstone of their future Cup ambitions, possibly as early as 2026.
Visionary Statements From Rick Hendrick and Industry Icons
When Hendrick Motorsports revealed Corey Day’s signing, Rick Hendrick offered this perspective:
“When Kyle Larson and Jeff Gordon say someone is the real deal, it certainly gets your attention.”
—Rick Hendrick, Team Owner.
This endorsement carried substantial weight, as Kyle Larson previously declared:
“He is definitely, in my opinion, of guys who haven’t made it to the three series in NASCAR yet, he’s definitely the best prospect out there.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion.
Larson, known for championing dirt racing talent in NASCAR, reinforced his support with a recounting of Day’s progress:
“He’s been slowly getting better … I’m hopeful and excited to see how he keeps going in the #17 car.”
—Kyle Larson, NASCAR Cup Series Champion.
The respect stretches beyond current stars; industry veterans such as Ken Schrader and Kenny Wallace have spoken up on the subject. Wallace voiced his prediction in a podcast, stating:
“Rick Hendrick already has Corey Day… That kid is gonna be right next to Kyle Larson in a few years.”
—Kenny Wallace, NASCAR Veteran.
Such assessments underscore the consensus among racing insiders: Corey Day is not seen merely as a short-term experiment, but as a uniquely promising prospect with a legitimate shot at transforming Hendrick Motorsports’ driver roster over the coming seasons. Online speculation and sources, including posts from prominent NASCAR Instagram pages, have amplified rumors that Day is poised for a full-time Cup effort in the No. 17 car as early as 2026.
How the No. 17 Seat Factors Into Hendrick’s Mission
The No. 17 car at Hendrick Motorsports has traditionally served as a rotation, hosting a lineup including established Cup talents like Chase Elliott, Alex Bowman, and others during the 2025 season. However, assigning a young driver such as Corey Day as a permanent wheelman would reflect a significant philosophy shift, prioritizing development over veteran seat-sharing. Rick Hendrick has implemented such transitions before, moving the focus to nurturing future champions when the timing aligns. If Day extends his record of strong showings, Hendrick Motorsports may well move to solidify his future by granting him that seat full-time for the 2026 campaign.
Corey Day’s Mixed Outing at Iowa Highlights Ongoing Development
With anticipation building, Day’s recent appearance at the Hy-Vee Perks 250 at Iowa Speedway offered a test under the sport’s magnifying glass. Driving the No. 17 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, Day began the race from 18th on the starting grid. Although he completed the distance just one lap down, he was unable to mount a major charge through the field, finishing well outside the headline positions in a race dominated by more seasoned contenders. His measured, mistake-free approach offered genuine developmental value, but according to many, did not deliver the breakout moment fans or insiders might have hoped for.
Meanwhile, drivers like Sam Mayer stole the spotlight, securing a dramatic late-race win, while veterans Ross Chastain and Jesse Love kept their names at the forefront by running strong among the leaders. Against this fierce backdrop, Day’s performance was a reminder that translating potential into regular top finishes in the Cup Series comes only with steady, hands-on experience. Kyle Larson’s continued praise highlights the faith the Hendrick Motorsports program has vested in Day, but Iowa was an exercise in learning, rather than an emphatic statement of Cup readiness.
What Industry and Fans Are Asking
The central debate around Corey Day’s trajectory is increasingly visible throughout the NASCAR community. Some see him as the next transformative talent in stock car racing, while others question whether the buzz surrounding him is premature. The dialogue, amplified on social media and podcasts, is exemplified by this provocative query circulating online:
“Corey Day: The next big thing in NASCAR or just another overhyped prospect? What’s your take?”
That question cuts to the heart of NASCAR’s development pipeline and the risks associated with elevating a young driver before a full season of dominant results. The roster of names connected to Day’s career—from established champions like Chase Elliott and Alex Bowman to influential figures like Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon—reflects both the magnitude of Hendrick’s investment and the strong leadership guiding his path.
With seasoned team owner Rick Hendrick positioning Corey Day as a possible linchpin for the future, race fans and industry insiders alike are closely monitoring every outing. Although Day’s results have not yet matched the trailblazing hype on every occasion, his youth, combined with his breadth of multi-surface success, keep the focus intense. If he makes the leap to full-time Cup competition in the No. 17, it would mark a bold statement of intent by Hendrick Motorsports on the future of talent development in the sport.
