Jeff Gordon praises Corey Day for his unique racing instincts as Hendrick Motorsports announces its plans for the 2026 season, with Day set to compete full-time in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The 19-year-old, known for his success both on dirt and pavement, will drive the No. 17 Chevrolet under crew chief Adam Wall, bringing fresh talent to the team’s ambitious return.
Corey Day Joins Hendrick Motorsports for Full-Time Role
Hendrick Motorsports has confirmed that Corey Day will take on a full-time position with their team, piloting the No. 17 Chevy beginning in the next O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season. This comes after Day signed a multi-year agreement in late 2024 and used 2025 to gain experience across several racing series. During the past year, he participated in 11 Xfinity Series races, finishing as high as fourth at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and made nine starts in the Truck Series with Spire Motorsports, including a standout second-place at Lucas Oil Raceway.
The team’s move marks a significant step as Hendrick returns to fielding a full-time car in NASCAR’s second-tier series, a scenario not seen in almost twenty years. Team vice chairman Jeff Gordon highlighted the attributes that make Corey Day a strong addition, emphasizing his quick adaptation and racing instincts developed on dirt tracks.
“Every race that Corey has been in, he’s the first guy to start searching for different lines and different ways to pass. He’s never afraid to try things. I think that’s what gravitates us towards a dirt driver. That’s a skill set that you can’t teach people. They have to get that experience, and usually it’s on dirt that they learn that. Once you learn that, you’re going to adapt to pavement and other types of cars.”
– Jeff Gordon, Team Vice Chairman
Adam Wall, who oversaw two wins, nine top-five finishes, and ten top-ten results this season, will continue as crew chief for Day’s efforts in the No. 17 entry.
Corey Day Reflects on Earning Full-Time Opportunity
Corey Day, who collected two top-10 finishes and completed 10 out of 11 Xfinity races on the lead lap in the recent season, explained that his move to full-time racing was written as an option in his contract if he delivered strong performances this year.
“That was what I was working towards this year. It wasn’t announced or anything, but my contract was written as next year was an option if this year went well. I guess I did a good enough job to get that option picked up,” Corey day said, via NASCAR.
– Corey Day, Driver
“To say I’m going to run a NASCAR series full-time next year is something I’ve dreamed about doing since I was a little kid. It’s really cool,” he added.
– Corey Day, Driver
Beyond NASCAR, Day’s reputation continues to grow through impressive dirt track achievements. He exceeded ten dirt race victories during 2024, becoming the youngest ever winner at the Turkey Night Grand Prix and securing the World of Outlaws Gold Cup, both marquee events in his discipline.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
The upcoming 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts season will begin on February 14 at Daytona International Speedway, raising expectations for Hendrick Motorsports’ revitalized venture in NASCAR’s Xfinity Series. The organization’s decision to bet on a young and proven talent like Corey Day, combined with the guidance of seasoned crew chief Adam Wall, signals a fresh approach. Anticipation is building among fans and industry observers, as Hendrick’s investment in emerging talent could shape the team’s fortunes well into the future.
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
