Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR signing has generated widespread attention as the organization welcomes 19-year-old Corey Day for the 2026 season, confirming him as the full-time driver of the No. 17 Chevrolet in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Announced on Friday, this decision marks a pivotal move for both the team and the up-and-coming racer, as Day transitions from a successful dirt racing background into the national spotlight.
Corey Day Prepares for Major Step Up
Corey Day, a standout young driver mentored by two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson, will bring his raw talent and passion to Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 17 entry next year. In 2025, Day made his mark with 11 starts in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, notching one top-five finish and two top 10s, maintaining an average finish of 15.9. Impressively, he completed 10 of those 11 races on the lead lap, demonstrating adaptability as he shifted from dirt to asphalt competition in the highly competitive stock car arena.
“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)
Track Record Highlights Potential
Day’s resume stretches well beyond his Xfinity Series appearances. He has participated in 13 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series events, achieving two top fives and three top 10s. Additionally, in the ARCA Menards Series, he competed in six races, earning one top five and three top 10 finishes. This broad experience in national NASCAR series, combined with his roots in dirt racing, strengthens his reputation as one of the sport’s most promising prospects.
Experienced Leadership Supporting Day
Guiding Day’s NASCAR transition will be Adam Wall, who served as crew chief for the Hendrick Motorsports No. 17 Xfinity entry during the previous season. Wall played an instrumental role in delivering results for the team in 2025, achieving two wins, nine top fives, and ten top 10 finishes over 21 races with multiple drivers—remarkably, without a single DNF. Wall’s continued leadership is poised to bolster Day’s development as he tackles full-time competition in 2026.
What Day’s Arrival Means for Hendrick Motorsports
Corey Day’s full-time addition deepens Hendrick Motorsports’ pool of youthful talent and reflects their strategy of cultivating future stars in NASCAR. As the organization continues to compete at the top level, bringing in a driver backed by Kyle Larson underscores their commitment to fostering the next generation. With robust experience on both dirt and paved tracks and the guidance of an accomplished crew chief in Adam Wall, Day will be closely watched by fans and insiders alike as he takes the next step in his racing career.
The signing not only energizes the Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR lineup but also highlights the evolving pathways young drivers can take, from local dirt tracks to the national scene. With Day ready to begin his rookie campaign in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, expectations are high for one of the year’s boldest moves in stock car racing.
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
