Corey Day will join the Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR team as a full-time driver in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series beginning in 2026, marking a significant moment for the rising star and the organization. With sponsorship from HendrickCars.com and endorsements from noted figures like Kyle Larson and Jeff Gordon, Day is set to drive the No. 17 car and transition from his successful dirt racing background to the national stock car stage.
Corey Day’s Rise and New Opportunity at Hendrick Motorsports
The official announcement about Corey Day joining the Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR team came as no surprise to many who have followed his career. After making a name for himself as a formidable competitor in sprint car racing, including the World of Outlaws and High Limit Racing series, Day’s transition to full-time national stock car racing has been highly anticipated. At a young age, he demonstrated his skill by competing against the best dirt racers and securing three Gold Cup Sprint Car Championships.
Hendrick Motorsports has shown strong confidence in Day’s talent, granting him a full-time seat in the No. 17 car. The program will be backed by HendrickCars.com, providing crucial support for his debut season. Those unfamiliar with Day might compare his path to that of Kyle Larson, another celebrated racer who seamlessly moved from dirt tracks to NASCAR stardom.
“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)
Kyle Larson and Jeff Gordon, both influential within Hendrick Motorsports, have publicly recommended Day. Their support suggests that the team sees him as a key part of their strategy for upcoming seasons. Day’s journey from California’s dirt tracks to the national stock car scene will truly begin in earnest in 2026.
Performance and Growth Through 2025
Day’s road to a full-time ride was not without challenges. His early stints in the Xfinity and Truck Series involved hard lessons, as he adapted to a different style of racing. Initially, he faced difficulties and results were modest, but key finishes revealed his potential. At Nashville, Day finished fifth in the Truck Series and eleventh in the Xfinity race, showing notable improvement.
He continued to demonstrate growth, finishing second at IRP in the Truck Series and claiming a top-ten result at Gateway in Xfinity. Among his season highlights, a fourth-place finish at Las Vegas stood out as perhaps his most impressive result of 2025. These performances helped solidify his reputation as a talented and adaptable competitor, supporting Hendrick’s decision to invest in his future.
Despite his youth, Day’s resume includes three Gold Cup Sprint Car Championships and victories in highly competitive dirt racing series. The pressure will be immense, but the team believes his ability will translate well as he begins competing at the top level of national stock car racing.
Expectations, Mentors, and the Search for NASCAR’s Next Star
A major advantage for Day at Hendrick Motorsports is his close relationship with Kyle Larson, who provides critical mentorship from someone who has experienced the same transition. Larson’s status as a two-time Cup Series champion and a future Hall of Famer amplifies the significance of having him as a guide during this pivotal stage.
With so many resources available at Hendrick, Day is positioned to develop rapidly as a stock car driver. The organization’s roster of established talent—Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott, William Byron, and Alex Bowman—creates a competitive environment, but also one where new talent can flourish. The team is mindful of the shifting landscape, understanding that strong prospects like Corey Day or drivers from other organizations, such as Trackhouse’s Connor Zilisch, have the potential to ignite rivalry and strategic changes across NASCAR teams.
Looking ahead, Hendrick’s willingness to secure Day’s future reflects their broader vision. They aim to keep strong options for the future, especially as emerging talent redefines the competitive balance in the sport.
With the upcoming 2026 season, all eyes will be on Day as he embarks on his rookie year with one of the sport’s top organizations, striving to meet the high expectations set for him. His transition will represent an important chapter for both Day and the Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR team, as they work to shape the next generation of racing excellence.
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
