Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR 2026 plans are officially in motion, as the team confirms its return to full-time action in NASCAR’s second-tier series for the first time since 2006. Corey Day, an up-and-coming talent from Clovis, California, will be behind the wheel for the revitalized No. 17 HendrickCars.com chevrolet/”>Chevrolet, targeting the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series after his powerful part-time run in 2025.
Corey Day’s Rising Profile Shines with Dirt Track Success and Stock Car Promise
Corey Day, just 19 years old and already a standout among racing’s future stars, brings an award-winning dirt racing background to his new assignment. Before shifting his focus to stock car competition, Day made history by capturing three straight Gold Cup Race of Champions titles. In 2024, he became the youngest winner of the Turkey Night Grand Prix and secured the King of the West 410 NARC Sprint Car Championship the year prior. His 2024 campaign included 10 victories, 25 top-five finishes, and 44 top-ten results in 73 dirt track races, notching wins across the High Limit Racing and World of Outlaws circuits. Day’s talent has also been recognized with the 2022 Chili Bowl Rookie of the Year award and multiple wins in the USAC National Midget Series.
Expanding Skills and Experience on Pavement
Throughout 2025, Day made his mark in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series with nine starts, scoring one pole position and a career-best runner-up finish at Lucas Oil Raceway. He rounded out the year with Xfinity Series appearances, achieving two top-ten finishes, including a fourth-place performance at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. These achievements showcase his versatility and impressive speed on both dirt and traditional race tracks, further boosting his reputation as one of motorsport’s most promising young racers.
No. 17 Team Sets Sights on Long-Term Growth
The No. 17 program, which returned to the racetrack in 2022, is now focusing exclusively on developing Day’s potential. Crew chief Adam Wall, who steered the entry to numerous wins and strong finishes in prior seasons, will continue leading the team’s operations. This move aligns with Hendrick Motorsports’ long-term development plans and demonstrates their commitment to investing in emerging talent.
Looking Ahead to Hendrick Motorsports’ 2026 Ambitions
The decision to bring Corey Day on board full time not only marks a bold step for Hendrick Motorsports but also signals a new era for their NASCAR second-tier series efforts. With Adam Wall’s leadership and Day’s proven adaptability, fans, teams, and sponsors are eagerly anticipating an exciting chapter when the 2026 green flag drops. The organization’s return represents a fresh opportunity for the Hendrick Motorsports NASCAR 2026 campaign to challenge for wins and championships, potentially reshaping the landscape of the series.
