Corey Day has inked a long-term NASCAR contract with Hendrick Motorsports. The O’Reilly Auto Parts Series rookie will remain in the No. 17 HMS Chevrolet full-time in 2027 and will also make limited Cup Series starts.
Amid his first season, Day has two victories in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, which came at Talladega and Dover. The 20-year-old is a part of the Chase for the series, where he ranks fifth in the standings after the Chase opener at Darlington last Saturday.
Corey Day signs long-term deal with Hendrick Motorsports
Jordan Bianchi, motorsports writer for The Athletic, reported the news regarding Day’s contract extension via X.
“Hendrick Motorsports announces a long-term contract extension for Corey Day. The deal includes him running full-time in the O’Reilly Series in 2027, plus making limited Cup Series starts. Details on Day’s Cup schedule to be announced at a later date,” Bianchi wrote.
Car owner Rick Hendrick is in awe of Day’s quick rise through the NASCAR ranks, noting the youngster had little pavement experience prior to the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in a statement released by the team.
“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,” Hendrick said.
Jeff Gordon, four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and vice chairman of HMS, said there is “no substitute for seat time,” which is why Day’s NASCAR progression is impressive.
“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,” Gordon said.
The Cup Series dates for Day and a car number for his part-time role have not been announced. It is also unknown how many Cup races Day will compete in.
Corey Day’s statement on moving up to Cup
Day said there is plenty left to learn, but has been appreciative of the Hendrick organization that has embraced him from the beginning, both as a driver and 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,” Day said.
Day began his NASCAR career last year on a part-time basis in the NOAPS for Hendrick. The California native competed in 11 races, recording one top five and two top-10s.
This year, Day recorded his first career win at Talladega Superspeedway. Day followed up with his second career victory at Dover a few weeks later. In 2026, Day has recorded seven top fives and 16 top 10s after 25 races.
Corey Day Reaches Massive Deal With Hendrick Motorsports