Corey Day — Driver Profile
Car: No. 17 | Team: Hendrick Motorsports | Manufacturer: Chevrolet Crew Chief: Adam Wall | Sponsor: HendrickCars.com Status: Full-time | Hometown: Clovis, California | Age: 20
2026 Season
Corey Day has been the most surprising performer of the 2026 O'Reilly Series season. The 20-year-old Hendrick Motorsports driver sits fifth in points through eight races, has led 164 laps — second-most in the series — and posted seven top 10s and three top fives, including a runner-up at Martinsville. He won a pole and has established himself as the most credible rookie title threat in a field of experienced contenders.
2026 Stats (through 8 races): 5th in points (272 pts) | 0 wins | 3 top 5s | 7 top 10s | 8.3 avg. start | 8.9 avg. finish | 1 pole | 164 laps led
Career
Day is part of Hendrick Motorsports' first full O'Reilly Series program since 2006 — a significant organizational commitment. He came up through the Hendrick pipeline and enters 2026 as the clearest test case of what a fully supported HMS O'Reilly program can produce at the national level.
The Story
Day is leading laps, qualifying near the front, and finishing in the top 10 at a high rate — but hasn't converted that pace into a win. For a 20-year-old rookie with 164 laps led and a Martinsville runner-up already on the résumé, that's a story of remarkable promise. The win is coming. The question is when, and whether it arrives in time to matter in the playoff picture.