Rick Hendrick Breaks Silence on Controversy Over HMS Overlooking Corey Day for Connor Zilisch

The NASCAR community was surprised when it was announced that Hendrick Motorsports has signed Connor Zilisch to replace Alex Bowman in the No:48 team after the end of 2027 season. In doing so, HMS delayed the Cup debut goal of the star development driver Corey Day, who is dubbed by many as the next Kyle Larson.

Team owner Rick Hendrick explained the decision to overlook their own driver and poach from Trackhouse. The veteran highlighted how Day is an impressive talent with massive potential with the only downside being he doesn’t have significant experience in the sport. It hasn’t even been year since the youngster started racing consistently in NASCAR.

First of all, Corey Day is a tremendous talent. And our plan is for him to be in our future for a long time.  People don’t realize that he’s only been on pavement for about half a year.

Rick Hendrick told the media.

Further talking about the point, Rick Hnedrick pointed out that HMS’ plan for the youngster is race in the lower division full-time in the next couple years before moving up the chain. The Hall of Fame team owner asserted that he wants the star driver to be in contention for the O’Reilly championship in the 2027 season.

And, so it’s going to be good to watch him grow.  We have plans for him that go well beyond the next couple of years.  So, when the time is right, he’ll move up, but for right now, Corey is learning. We want to run for the championship in the O’Reilly car next year. We are excited about him. I love the youth.  I love the enthusiasm, I love the energy, and the talent.

Rick Hendrick added via Hendrick Motorsport media session.

Jeff Gordon explains the Corey Day-Connor Zilisch decision

The Vice Chairman of the team Jeff Gordon also talked about the matter in the media session. He pointed out that they signed Connor Zilisch because of his massive potential and also highlighted how the overlooked youngster Day will have a bright future.

I would just love to add that I’m excited to get Connor with our current young driver lineup. I think he’s going to fit in very well with that. I think Rick said it all about Corey and his future.  We know there’s a bright future there.

Jeff Gordon said.

They understand Corey Day is not yet ready to be moved on to the higher level, while Zilisch might be in the championship contention by 2028. They want their second division driver to be well prepared for the future and Zilisch to be on the same level as the current HMS drivers.

But, right now, Connor is prepared to step in and be ready, in my opinion, when ‘28 comes around to be a Championship-caliber driver.  And we’re going to make sure that he’s got a Championship-caliber race car and team to go along with that. And I think he’s going to fit in really well with Chase and William and with Kyle.  I’m excited when that day comes.

Jeff Gordon added.

The comments from the veterans are on point and shows how much they value booth of the young drivers contracted with him. It would be interesting to see how long it would take Day to make it into the Cup and drive for HMS.

Also Read: Connor Zilisch Reveals Why He Signed for HMS Despite Being “a Loyalty Guy”