Hendrick Motorsports has announced a new full-time driver for the 2026 O'Reilly Auto Parts Series.
19-year-old Corey Day will drive the No. 17 Chevrolet full-time next year, after the car took two wins and several more impressive finishes running as a part-time entry over 21 races last year, with seven drivers including Day himself.
Day ran 11 races in the Xfinity Series this year, improving as he went to top out with a fourth place finish at Las Vegas last month, rounding out the year with back-to-back top-15 finishes at Martinsville and Phoenix.
Crew chief Adam Wall will remain with the No. 17 for 2026, having overseen that program this year and developed a working relationship with Day.
Hendrick: Day's raw talent 'off the charts'
Speaking in a team statement announcing the move, team owner Rick Hendrick said: “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. Corey has a tremendous future, and we’re proud to have him represent HendrickCars.com.”
In the same statement, Day himself added: “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.
"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. Adam and the No. 17 team have shown the ability to win races, and I can’t wait to build on that foundation and compete for a championship.”
