Rick Hendrick has delivered a major Rick Hendrick NASCAR 2026 update, discussing both a promising young driver joining Hendrick Motorsports full-time and significant changes coming to Chevrolet cars in NASCAR. On the heels of these announcements, the team owner reflected on his organization’s new talent and previewed substantial developments for the upcoming season.
Corey Day Secures Full-Time Seat with Hendrick Motorsports
Team principal Rick Hendrick officially announced that Corey Day will launch his first full-time campaign with the No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in 2026. Day, who debuted in the Xfinity Series at Martinsville Speedway on March 29 and competed in eleven races with the powerhouse team during 2025, has been highlighted as one of the most exciting rising talents in the circuit.
Corey Day’s 2025 season showcased his versatility, as he participated in nearly thirty events between dirt and pavement circuits, and took part in nine NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series races. Notably, his second-place finish at Indianapolis Raceway Park on July 25 marked a career milestone, capping off a year where he steadily progressed with each start.
Rick Hendrick, serving as chairman and CEO of Hendrick Automotive Group, spoke highly of the 19-year-old’s potential and readiness for a full-time role:
“Corey impressed us with how quickly he adapted this year. 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.”
— Rick Hendrick, Chairman & CEO, Hendrick Automotive Group
According to sources, Day will team up with veteran crew chief Adam Wall for his maiden full season. The No. 17 Chevy program most recently achieved two victories, three second-place showings, ten top-ten finishes, nine top fives, and three pole positions, signaling a supportive environment for the young driver.
Day’s advancement was met with gratitude and enthusiasm:
“The opportunity to race full time for Mr. Hendrick and Hendrick Motorsports is something I’ve been working toward and feel I’m ready for,”
Day said of his big break.
“I’ve learned so much from everyone here this past year, and I’m grateful for the chance to represent HendrickCars.com every week in 2026.”
— Corey Day, Driver
Day’s inaugural Xfinity event as a full-time Hendrick driver will take place at the United Rentals 300 on February 14, 2026. The 120-lap race will air live on the CW network, with radio coverage by MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.
Chevrolet to Introduce New Car for 2026 NASCAR Season
In addition to the driver news, Rick Hendrick also confirmed a game-changing update for Chevrolet teams as part of his Rick Hendrick NASCAR 2026 update. With General Motors halting Camaro production in December 2023, NASCAR Cup Series teams—Hendrick’s included—will switch to a new Chevrolet body design for 2026.
In a recent discussion with Bob Pockrass from FOX Sports, Hendrick shared his optimism about the upcoming Chevy model, emphasizing how the manufacturer’s collaboration with his organization could yield competitive advantages:
“Well, I think our guys, along with GM, have worked on this, and it’s supposedly better than what we’ve got. So, closer to what Toyota and Ford have. They had a shot at the apple, you know, taking our car and getting their car better.”
— Rick Hendrick, Chairman & CEO, Hendrick Automotive Group
The transition will present challenges, but Hendrick is embracing the technological progress, especially regarding improved car performance:
“So next year, we gotta learn the car, it won’t be perfect right out of the gate. I’m super excited about the power, more power, and I’m excited about having a new car that we can work with that’s got a little more downforce.”
— Rick Hendrick, Chairman & CEO, Hendrick Automotive Group
Recent Competitive Achievements and Industry Context
Chevrolet’s NextGen era, highlighted by driver Kyle Larson’s Cup Series title, continues to propel Hendrick Motorsports’ status within NASCAR’s competitive landscape. The manufacturer led the field with 15 race wins in 2025, outperforming Toyota’s 14 victories and Ford’s seven, although Ford remains the most dominant in championships with three to its name.
With these developments—Corey Day’s much-anticipated promotion to a full-time NASCAR seat under Adam Wall, and the rollout of a new Chevrolet body engineered by General Motors—Hendrick Motorsports is positioned for both immediate excitement and long-term growth as it moves toward the 2026 NASCAR season. Racing fans and insiders alike will be watching closely to see how the team and its new talent adapt to the evolving landscape and intensifying manufacturer battles.
