In early 2025, Hendrick Motorsports signed 19-year-old Corey Day to a multi-year contract, signaling a strong vote of confidence in his potential. Day, set to compete part-time across the Xfinity, Truck, ARCA, and Trans Am series, has attracted attention as a rising star, drawing praise from established drivers such as Kyle Larson and Jeff Gordon. Larson praises young successor Day for his adaptability and raw speed, making him one of NASCAR’s most exciting prospects.
Day’s breakthrough performance came at Indianapolis Raceway Park, where he finished second driving Kaulig Racing’s No. 17 car in an Xfinity race—a career-best result. On the demanding short oval, Day’s style of running consistently below the apron to find grip echoed his roots on dirt tracks and matched traits that Larson exhibited early on. Hendrick Motorsports’ driver development resources, combined with Day’s success in sprint cars, have helped his transition to pavement racing and brought noticeable improvements to his stock car skills.
Kyle Larson Sees Himself in Corey Day’s Racing Style and Potential
Reflecting on Day’s performance at Indianapolis Raceway Park, Kyle Larson expressed admiration for the young driver’s skill.
“It was good to see him have a strong run there. It was a track that I thought may suit his style, being able to move around and search for grip,”
Larson remarked, highlighting Day’s adaptability needed to succeed on short tracks.
Larson further noted Day’s unconventional racing line:
“He was probably one of the first, if not the first, running below the apron that night and found some speed that way. So, it just lends itself to a dirt guy’s background, probably.”
His comments underline the natural feel Day has for car control and race craft, traits honed on dirt surfaces, and reinforce the connection between their racing paths.
Looking ahead, Larson shared his optimism about Day’s progression within stock car racing.
“He’s been slowly getting better here lately in the stock‑car stuff, and I’m sure gaining confidence. So, yeah, I’m hopeful and excited to see, you know, how he keeps going in the 17 car.”
Supporting emerging talents like Day in Kaulig Racing’s No. 17 HMS-backed ride reflects Hendrick Motorsports’ strategy of nurturing future stars with gradually increasing challenges.
Larson’s endorsement signals more than just respect; it also acts as a call for the team to invest in Day’s continued growth. Should Day sustain his upward trajectory, a full-time opportunity in the NASCAR Cup Series might be within reach, potentially making him one of Hendrick Motorsports’ cornerstone drivers.
The Challenges Young Drivers Face in Today’s NASCAR Landscape
Kyle Larson also highlighted the difficulties younger drivers encounter in adapting to stock cars under modern NASCAR conditions, with limited practice sessions and the elimination of on-track testing.
“I’m not sure where he is in qualifying currently, but we’re always cheering him on and it’s tough to learn, you know, these days with limited practice and no testing. You’re really reliant on the sim, that’s a complete guess. So, it’s much tougher for the young guys to learn these days. So, it’s been good to see him kind of figuring it out here lately,”
Larson said, praising Day’s efforts in overcoming these obstacles.
The emphasis on simulation and limited real-world testing increases the challenge for newcomers, making mentorship from experienced drivers like Larson even more essential. This environment requires drivers to be adaptable, resilient, and quick learners, qualities that Day has demonstrated early in his career.
Hendrick Motorsports’ Ongoing Struggles with Short Track Pole-to-Win Victories
As Hendrick Motorsports pushes deeper into the 2025 regular season, attention turns not only to young talent but also to the team’s persistent challenges on short tracks. Though HMS leads the regular-season points standings and has three drivers in contention for the title, they have struggled to convert pole positions into short track victories in recent years.
Kyle Larson addressed this issue ahead of a race at Iowa Speedway, expressing surprise at the statistic that no HMS driver has won from the pole on short ovals since Denny Hamlin’s 2019 Bristol victory.
“That’s a surprising stat… I would have thought that a pole sitter had won in that amount of time… That’s wild,”
Larson said candidly.
He attributed this difficulty to the highly competitive field and the introduction of the Next Gen car, which has increased unpredictability and “chaos” in short track racing. Success no longer depends solely on speed, especially in qualifying; race management, adaptability, and endurance play greater roles. Larson emphasized that despite starting positions, thriving on short tracks demands strategic thinking and persistence.
Despite this challenge, Hendrick Motorsports remains a consistent force, with Larson currently third in the regular-season standings, just 15 points behind leader Chase Elliott and with William Byron positioned between them. Larson noted that while the team faced a midseason slump, recent performances have shown a resurgence, underscoring their championship aspirations.
The Potential Impact of Corey Day’s Rise on Hendrick Motorsports’ Future
Corey Day’s rapid progression is poised to have a meaningful impact on Hendrick Motorsports’ long-term strategy. Larson’s vocal support and mentorship could pave the way for Day to become a key figure in the Cup Series roster, providing fresh energy to the powerhouse team. Hendrick’s history of developing generational talent suggests that Day’s multi-series experience and adaptability place him in a strong position to succeed.
If Day maintains his development curve, Hendrick Motorsports may view him as a critical asset, helping to sustain their competitive edge in NASCAR’s evolving landscape. Moreover, the growing mentor-mentee relationship between Larson and Day could strengthen the team dynamic, creating opportunities for shared expertise and on-track success.
As the team navigates a competitive season with its established drivers chasing the regular-season title, integrating young talents like Day may ensure continued dominance for years to come. Watching Day evolve from a promising prospect to a potential future NASCAR star will be a storyline closely followed by fans and industry insiders alike.
