Jeff Gordon has high hopes for the future of NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series driver Corey Day. The 20-year-old is in his rookie season in the NOAPS, where he has earned two victories piloting the No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet.
This week, HMS announced that Connor Zilisch would drive the No. 48 Chevrolet in the Cup Series in 2028, replacing the retiring Alex Bowman. The announcement sparked speculation on Day’s future with the organization.
Although Gordon believes Day has a promising future, he has a long way to go.
Gordon on Day’s development: ‘Pretty steep learning curve’
When speaking to SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Gordon praised Day’s driving ability, noting he has only raced on pavement for a short period of time.
Looking to the future, the retired four-time Cup Series champion said Day has a lot to look forward to at HMS.
“He is on a great path. I think people have to understand that he’s come off of dirt racing a year-and-a-half ago, basically, and it’s been phenomenal to watch his progression and I think he has a bright future at Hendrick as a Hendrick driver and in the O’Reilly Series as well as the Cup Series,” Gordon said.
When it came to the decision of who would drive the No. 48, Gordon believes Zilisch is a step ahead than Day. Because Day still has a lot to learn in NASCAR, Gordon said the choice to go with Zilisch came down to experience.
Gordon made it clear, however, that the organization is committed to Day as the youngster continues to grow in the NOAPS.
“He’s still on a pretty steep learning curve, so when a decision like this is being made, we have to look at somebody that we feel like is a right fit at that time. We feel like that with Connor, but Corey is also somebody that we plan to invest — we already have — but we plan to continue to do that and had those conversations with him and he’s in a great place,” Gordon said.
Zilisch is in his rookie season in the Cup Series, behind the wheel of the No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet. The 20-year-old’s first campaign has been mired by misfortunes as he has totaled a series-high eight DNFs and sits 34th in the points standings.
A look at Corey Day’s rookie season in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series
Through his first full-time season in the NOAPS, Day has made a quick impression.
With one race remaining until The Chase for the series, Day has recorded two wins, six top fives, 15 top 10s, and ranks fifth in the points standings.
In his 22nd career start, Day notched his first career NOAPS at Talladega Superspeedway earlier this year. The win came in Day’s third drafting track start. Three races later, Day picked his second career victory at Dover Motor Speedway.
Last year, Day made 11 starts for HMS on a part-time basis. The California native recorded a best finish of fourth at Las Vegas prior to moving up to full-time competition in 2026.
Jeff Gordon Says HMS Prodigy Has ‘Steep Learning Curve’