Corey Day Elevated to Full-Time Driver for Hendrick Motorsports in O’Reilly Auto Parts Series
Hendrick Motorsports has officially appointed 19-year-old Corey Day as a full-time driver for the upcoming O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, set to debut in 2026. Day will pilot the No. 17 Chevrolet, sporting the colors of HendrickCars.com, with Adam Wall serving as crew chief.
Rick Hendrick, owner of Hendrick Motorsports, expressed confidence in Day’s potential, stating, “Corey impressed us with how quickly he adapted this year… The instincts and raw talent are off the charts.” Despite Day’s limited pavement experience, Hendrick highlighted that the driver’s rapid development showcased his exceptional capabilities.
Day joined Hendrick Motorsports in December 2024 and gained valuable experience throughout the 2025 season. In the Xfinity Series, he achieved two top-10 finishes across 11 races, while also competing in the Craftsman Truck Series, where he secured three top-10 finishes in nine starts.
“This opportunity is something I’ve been working toward, and I feel I’m ready for it,” Day remarked, underscoring his eagerness to compete full-time. He acknowledged the foundation laid by the No. 17 team, highlighting their success and expressing his ambition to contend for a championship.
Originally from Clovis, California, Day possesses a strong background in dirt racing, with recent notable victories including major wins in Las Vegas with High Limit Racing and Knoxville with the World of Outlaws, alongside claiming his third consecutive Gold Cup Race of Champions title. In addition to his accolades, Day was recognized as the Chili Bowl Rookie of the Year in 2022 and became the youngest winner in history at the Turkey Night Grand Prix.
As he transitions into a full-time role, the motorsports community will be watching Day’s progress as he aims to build upon his promising start within the sport.
