Hendrick extends Day’s O’Reilly Series deal, plans Cup Series outings for him in 2027

Hendrick Motorsports has signed Corey Day to a long-term contract extension that will keep him in the team’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Series program next season while also running a limited Cup Series schedule.

“What Corey has accomplished in such a short time is remarkable,” said team owner Rick Hendrick. “He came to us with generational talent but almost no experience racing on pavement. The fact that he’s already competing for a championship at this level is extraordinary, and he’s just beginning to scratch the surface.

“We love Corey’s character and how he fits our organization, and we’re proud to have him with us for many years to come.”

Day will continue to drive the No. 17 Chevrolet with full-season sponsorship from HendrickCars.com. The 20-year-old Californian, who is a second-generation dirt racer, is still fresh into his pavement-and-stock-car transition. He started in 2024 with four races in the Craftsman Truck Series before making a combined 20 starts between Trucks and the O’Reilly Series in 2025.

Now in his first full season in the O’Reilly Series, Day has won two races and sits fifth in the championship points. Day has the third-most top-10 finishes in the series. 

“When I joined Hendrick Motorsports, I knew I had a lot to learn, and I still do,” said Day. “But the people here have really embraced me and invested a lot of time in helping me grow, both as a driver and a person. Mr. and Mrs. Hendrick give us all the resources we could possibly need. I’m so grateful to them, Jeff Gordon, Jeff Andrews, and the 500 teammates who put so much into our success. 

“I’m focused on winning a championship together this year and bringing many more trophies home to Hendrick Motorsports in the future.”

The details of Day's Cup Series run will be announced later.

“There’s no substitute for seat time, which makes Corey’s progress even more impressive,” said Jeff Gordon, vice chairman of Hendrick Motorsports. “We see growth every weekend when he gets in the car. He puts in the work and isn’t afraid to ask questions and apply what he learns. The Cup races next year will give him another opportunity to gain valuable experience and challenge himself at the highest level. It’s going to be fun to watch.”