Corey Day, a standout young driver from California, is rapidly gaining attention at Hendrick Motorsports, where he is following a development plan similar to that of Chase Elliott’s NASCAR development path. At 19 years old, Day is participating in a cross-disciplinary schedule that is part of Hendrick’s strategy to nurture future stars using lessons learned from the journeys of top drivers like Elliott.
Day, once recognized as a dirt-racing prodigy, recently signed a multiyear contract with Hendrick Motorsports, becoming central to Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon’s renewed focus on driver development. His transition from dirt tracks to a diverse schedule, which now includes the Craftsman Truck Series, Xfinity Series, Trans-Am, and High Limit Sprint Car Series, marks a new chapter for both Day and the organization. The momentum behind his move was amplified by the endorsement of NASCAR star Kyle Larson, who raced against Day on dirt circuits and was quick to get Jeff Gordon’s attention.
“When you have a guy like Kyle who is racing on the track with (Day) and saying those types of things, it certainly gets our attention for when we start looking down the road at up-and-coming drivers,” Gordon told NASCAR.com. “It’s not that we were planning for that, but when somebody comes along that has that type of talent, you start looking at it a little bit differently of what’s possible.”
This recommendation from Larson led to Day’s career-making opportunity with Hendrick. In 2023, after excelling in dirt racing and a few late model appearances with JR Motorsports, Day caught the attention of key Hendrick officials. The team responded with a development deal designed to maximize his experience across many NASCAR disciplines and surfaces, a setup reminiscent of the approach taken with Elliott and fellow rising stars.
Since joining Hendrick Motorsports, Day has made a strong impression, including two top-five results in the Truck Series and achieving a personal best fourth place in the Xfinity Series race at Las Vegas Motor Speedway last weekend. This blend of experiences forms a targeted growth plan, gradually exposing him to the varied demands of top-tier NASCAR competition.
“I feel like we’re still getting adjusted. I have a busy schedule. I think the longest we’ve been home is a three-week span. I’m 19, so it’s like a kid going off to college. I’m at that age,” Day admitted.
Between running ARCA events, entering Trans-Am contests, and competing full-time in the High Limit sprint series, Day’s calendar leaves little room for downtime. Hendrick Motorsports officials, including Jeff Gordon and team president Jeff Andrews, emphasize that this busy program is a deliberate component of their long-term plan. The goal is to provide Day with enough seat time and structure so that he can develop the composure and adaptability necessary for success in NASCAR’s upper ranks.
Leading Hendrick’s Revived No. 17 Xfinity Car Program
As part of their renewed talent pipeline, Hendrick Motorsports brought back the No. 17 Xfinity entry in 2022, ending a 13-year break for the car. Under the supervision of Greg Ives and crew chief Adam Wall, the No. 17 Chevrolet is positioned as an important stepping stone, linking the team’s Cup Series operation to its future prospects.
This season, Corey Day has received a significant share of the 2025 schedule, driving in nine Xfinity Series events as part of an accelerated transition from dirt to pavement. The No. 17 vehicle provides seat time not just for Day, but also for established Cup Series stars like Kyle Larson, William Byron, Chase Elliott, and Alex Bowman, as well as promising newcomers such as Jake Finch and Rajah Caruth. Both Larson and Byron have secured wins in their stints with this car, demonstrating its role as both a development tool and a competitive entry.
“I think the competition level in (Xfinity) is good,” Jeff Andrews said (via NASCAR). “From our perspective, it needs to grow. We need some more young talent in that series – young men and women who have their eye on the Cup Series. We feel like being a part of that and having the opportunity to bring some of those younger names to the Xfinity Series now and in the future only benefits that series.”
While balancing commitments across multiple racing series, Day’s ability to adapt to different racing styles and track lengths has impressed leaders such as Gordon and Hendrick. His program reflects the patient, practice-intensive blueprint that helped shape successful Cup careers for Elliott and William Byron, emphasizing growth through structured experience and careful supervision.
This coming weekend, Day will take the wheel of the No. 17 Team SLR Chevrolet Camaro in the Cube 3 Architecture TA2 Series race at Barber Motorsports Park, registering his fifth Trans-Am appearance of the year. Each outing adds another layer to his skillset, preparing him for further advancement within NASCAR’s hierarchy.
Corey Day’s progress comes at a time of renewed investment in young talent by Hendrick Motorsports, guided by figures including Rick Hendrick, Jeff Gordon, and Jeff Andrews. By structuring Day’s learning path after successful examples like Chase Elliott, the organization aims to ensure a steady flow of capable drivers ready for the challenges of top-level racing. Observers throughout the sport, from analysts to fans, will be watching closely as Day continues to evolve and as Hendrick’s developmental strategies shape the next wave of competition.
