For the first time in two decades, Hendrick Motorsports will field a full-time entry in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (formerly the Xfinity Series) in 2026. Behind the wheel of the No. 17 HMS Chevrolet will be 19-year-old dirt racing sensation Corey Day, one of the most exciting young prospects to make the leap to NASCAR in recent years.
Which begs the question, who is Rick Hendrick‘s new star, Day? Here’s a deep dive into the Clovis, California native’s racing credentials and how his raw talent convinced “Mr. H” to bring the No. 17 back full-time to NASCAR’s second-tier faction.
Why Did Rick Hendrick Bet Big on Corey Day, the 19-Year-Old Phenom?
Yes, HMS is making a massive comeback to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series next year. The Chevy powerhouse last competed in the series back in 2006 when Kyle Busch and Justin Labonte split the No. 5 car for all 35 events.
The team’s choice to return full-time was a natural progression of sorts, having already been shaping Day’s NASCAR path since signing him to a developmental deal last January. Backed by HendrickCars.com, the primary sponsor, the California native made nine Craftsman Truck Series starts with Spire Motorsports in 2025, highlighted by a runner-up finish at Lucas Oil Raceway in July.
He then capped off the season strong, finishing 11th or better in his final four appearances, three of them inside the top 10. In addition, Day signed with HMS in December 2024 and made his Xfinity Series debut on Mar. 29 at Martinsville Speedway, proceeding to run 10 more races for the team.
He capped the stretch with a fourth-place finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Oct. 11, ending the year with two top 10s across 11 starts and an average finish of 15.9, better than playoff contenders Sheldon Creed and Nick Sanchez.
“Corey (Day) impressed us with how quickly he adapted this year,” Hendrick reflected on the team’s decision to rope the youngster in for 2026. He added. “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. Corey has a tremendous future, and we’re proud to have him represent Hendrickcars.com.”
Day, who turns 20 on Nov. 28, comes to NASCAR with one of the most decorated dirt resumes of his generation. In 2024 alone, he tallied 10 wins, 25 top five finishes, and 44 top 10s in 73 starts, showcasing a staggering level of consistency that highlighted his rapid rise.
That same season, he etched his name in history by winning the 83rd Turkey Night Grand Prix, becoming the youngest driver ever to do so.
His 2025 campaign only strengthened his legend, with marquee victories spanning multiple series, namely, a High Limit Racing triumph in Las Vegas, a World of Outlaws win at Knoxville, and a third consecutive Gold Cup Race of Champions title. He also delivered a heartfelt home victory at Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway on the High Limit circuit.
Before his national breakout, the young gun had already begun turning heads, earning Chili Bowl Rookie of the Year honors in 2022, claiming the 2023 King of the West 410 NARC Championship, and scoring a World of Outlaws Gold Cup victory to join his father, Ronnie Day, on the prestigious winners list.
With Day, often deemed as the 2025 Cup Series champion, Kyle Larson’s acolyte, stepping into the No. 17 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet, a car that’s already delivered wins, poles, and podiums, the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series title chase is about to get a serious shake-up.
