Corey Day, the driver of Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 17 car in the O’Reilly Series, has faced a turbulent beginning to his 2026 campaign. Throughout the first three weekends, Day has struggled to deliver the standout performances expected of him and has been involved in multiple contentious crashes, including a recent incident with Connor Zilisch last Saturday at COTA that drew criticism from the Chevy driver.
Despite this rocky start, NASCAR Hall of Famer and two-time runner-up in the second division, Dale Earnhardt Jr., has publicly supported Day. On the latest episode of his Dale Jr. Download podcast, Earnhardt Jr., co-owner of JR Motorsports, emphasized that Day is not causing wrecks deliberately but is still adapting to the demands of handling highly competitive vehicles on asphalt tracks.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Offers Insights into Corey Day’s Learning Curve
Dale Earnhardt Jr. described Day’s situation as a steep learning process, explaining that the young driver is “drinking from a firehose” as he adjusts to the complexities of the racecar. Earnhardt Jr. reassured fans that Day, though inexperienced, is not overwhelmed but must become more comfortable with the advanced machinery he pilots.
He is a good guy. He is in … he’s not in over his head, but dude is drinking from a firehose. He’s got a lot of racecar.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. said via Dale Jr. Download.
Earnhardt Jr. further illustrated the close relationship between JR Motorsports and Hendrick Motorsports’ O’Reilly Series teams. Day’s No. 17 Chevy crew shares technical data and strategies extensively with JR Motorsports, making them effectively a fifth team within the organization. This collaboration is designed to integrate Day seamlessly and enhance his development as a driver.
That 17 car coming out of the Hendrick shop, we share all of our notes with them, everything that we do well they have. They know this information. They’re a fifth team of ours. Their crew chief, Adam, he used to work here as a crew chief, they’re in our meetings. Corey Day was in our comp meeting yesterday.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. asserted.
The Partnership Between JR Motorsports and Hendrick Motorsports Fosters Growth
The synergy between JR Motorsports and Hendrick Motorsports has been a deliberate strategy from the outset, with Rick Hendrick and Jeff Gordon envisioning a collaborative environment where drivers like Corey Day would be treated as teammates by the established JRM roster. This approach aims to provide Day with a richer learning environment and smoother progression.
They’re a fifth team. They just happen to race out of the Hendrick building. And that’s the way it has to work. That’s the way Mr. Hendrick wants it to work, Jeff Gordon, everybody that we all want that 17 car as a teammate to us. And we all, everybody except for the drivers, seem to get that idea.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. added.
After the COTA Incident, Earnhardt Jr. and Rick Hendrick Hold a Key Meeting with Day
Following the recent crash at COTA, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and JR Motorsports team principal Rick Hendrick convened with Corey Day to address the ongoing issues head-on. Their main goal was to clarify expectations and reinforce the importance of mutual success without unnecessary setbacks, both on the track and within the team.
The leadership stressed that JR Motorsports cannot afford to have championship-winning cars consistently compromised by internal collisions. Additionally, they are focused on guiding Day toward earning respect within the garage and improving his teamwork, so fans and fellow drivers alike view him positively.
We all got together. Rick had a conversation with Corey and we’re all trying to help him understand, look man, we want you here. We believe in you. We believe you’re a winner. But we have to do this without being detrimental to each other. I know it looks ugly for fans who are watching it. It’s hard for our teams. But it’s part of the process of trying to school up these guys to become the drivers that we think they’re capable of becoming.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. said.
Corey Day’s Path Toward Fulfilling Expectations in NASCAR
As Corey Day continues to aim for the heights many anticipate, including comparisons to top-tier drivers like Kyle Larson, his priority will be refining his racing skills to minimize mistakes and take calculated risks. Success in the sport hinges not only on individual talent but also on becoming a reliable teammate who commands respect in the highly competitive NASCAR garage.
Earnhardt Jr. and Hendrick Motorsports remain committed to fostering Day’s growth, hopeful that with focused development, he will overcome early challenges and solidify his place as a rising star in the sport.
