It feels like just yesterday we were watching a youngster from Clovis, California, tear up dirt tracks with a fire in his eyes that you just don’t see every day. That kid was Corey Day. Now, that same kid is strapping into the big leagues, full-time.

Hendrick Motorsports, the undisputed titan of NASCAR, just handed him the keys to the No. 17 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet for the 2026 NASCAR Xfinity Series season. Let that sink in. This isn’t just another seat-filler announcement.

This is Rick Hendrick, a man who knows a champion when he sees one, betting big on a young gun who has barely scraped the surface of his potential on pavement. It’s a move that sends a shockwave through the garage. It says, “We’ve found our next guy.”

For those who have been following Corey’s meteoric rise, this news isn’t a surprise—it’s an inevitability. It’s the culmination of years of grit, sacrifice, and an ungodly amount of raw, natural talent.

The Path to Hendrick Motorsports for Corey Day

Just last December, Corey Day inked a development deal with Hendrick Motorsports. It was a “show me” contract, a chance to prove his dirt-track dominance could translate to the slick, unforgiving asphalt of NASCAR. And prove it, he did.

Thrown into the deep end in 2025 with a part-time schedule in both the Xfinity and Truck Series, Day didn’t just tread water; he started swimming with the sharks. In 11 Xfinity starts, he grabbed a top-five finish at the high-speed, nerve-wracking Las Vegas Motor Speedway, finishing fourth.

He backed it up with another top-10 at World Wide Technology Raceway. These weren’t lucky breaks. They were statements. Over in the Craftsman Truck Series, he was even more impressive. He damn near won at Indianapolis Raceway Park, finishing a heartbreaking second.

He also muscled his way to a top-five at the tough Nashville Superspeedway. Every time he got behind the wheel, you could see the learning curve bending at his will. He adapted, he learned, and he got faster.

Why Corey Day is a Game-Changer

Rick Hendrick himself put it best: “Corey impressed us with how quickly he adapted this year… The instincts and raw talent are off the charts.” That’s high praise from a man who has fielded cars for legends like Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Dale Earnhardt Jr.

This isn’t just about filling a seat. It’s about building a future. Hendrick Motorsports hasn’t run a full-time Xfinity entry since 2007. Bringing it back for Corey Day is a monumental vote of confidence. They aren’t just giving him a car; they’re giving him the full weight and resources of one of racing’s most successful organizations.

He’ll continue working with crew chief Adam Wall, a seasoned veteran from JR Motorsports who already has a year of building chemistry with Day under his belt. That continuity is crucial. It’s the kind of foundation championships are built on.

For Corey, this is the dream realized. “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,” he said. You can feel the quiet confidence in his words. He’s not arrogant, but he knows what he’s capable of. He’s ready to represent a powerhouse brand and chase a championship.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 season is still a long way off, but the excitement is already building. We’re about to witness the next chapter for a driver who represents the best of motorsport’s future, a bridge between the grassroots passion of dirt racing and the polished, high-stakes world of NASCAR. Corey Day isn’t just a development driver anymore. He’s the future, and he’s here to stay. Buckle up, because it’s going to be one hell of a ride.

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