Hendrick Motorsports has announced that Corey Day, a promising 19-year-old driver, will race full time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for the 2026 season. Piloting the No. 17 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, Day’s move follows an impressive run of 11 appearances with the organization in 2025, marking a significant next step in his racing career with one of the most respected names in motorsport.
Rapid Progress in Day’s Early Career
Day’s journey with Hendrick Motorsports began in December 2024 when he officially joined the team and quickly made an impact, debuting in the Xfinity Series on March 29 at Martinsville Speedway. Known for his background as a dirt racing phenom from Clovis, California, Day tackled nearly 30 pavement events in 2025, expanding his resume across multiple competition formats. His experience included nine starts in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, where he captured a pole position and finished as high as second, along with securing a fourth-place finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the Xfinity Series.
Returning Team and Notable Achievements
For his full-time campaign, Day will continue to work with crew chief Adam Wall, who led the No. 17 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet lineup throughout 2025. Under Wall’s 2025 guidance, the team earned substantial results: two race wins, three pole positions, three second-place finishes, ten top-10s, and nine top-five finishes, all achieved with a mix of drivers. Despite running only 21 of 33 races, the team managed to lead 577 laps—ranking third in the series for laps led.
Leadership Confidence in Rising Star
Team owner Rick Hendrick voiced his optimism about Day’s rapid adaptation and future potential, highlighting Day’s quick learning curve and standout abilities:
“Corey impressed us with how quickly he adapted this year,”
Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group, said.
“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.”
— Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports and chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
As Hendrick Motorsports positions Corey Day for a full-time slot in the Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR Xfinity Series, anticipation is high for how the young driver will continue to evolve. With strong leadership, consistent team support, and impressive achievements already on his résumé, Day is poised to make a significant impact in the coming season and represent both his California roots and the Chevrolet team on NASCAR’s national stage.
