"As I predicted": NASCAR veteran Kenny Wallace reacts to Hendrick Motorsports' multi-year deal with 19-year-old dirt sensation

By Sashwat Deo

Modified Jan 10, 2025 00:56 GMT

(L) Kenny Wallace; (R) Rick Hendrick. (Image source - Imagn, Getty)

Former NASCAR driver Kenny Wallace recently shared his reaction to Rick Hendrick and Co. signing a multi-year deal with Corey Day. Under its development program, Hendrick Motorsports will back the 19-year-old dirt racing sensation for select races in Xfinity, Truck, ARCA, and Trans-Am Series with sponsorship from HendrickCars.com.

Back in December 2024, Wallace and Ken Schrader discussed the possibility of Day becoming a potential teammate of Kyle Larson. The hosts of the Herm & Schrader podcast engaged in a candid conversation after Day spun the No. 5 Chevy driver Larson. Additionally, won the Turkey Night Grand Prix at Ventura Raceway.

Wallace didn't shy away from recalling his prediction following HMS' announcement of the deal with dirt prodigy driver. The 60-year-old Wallace reshared HMS' post congratulating Day.

"As I predicted 😁💯. I am the greatest🕺. Congratulations @corey_day_," wrote Wallace on X.

Expand Tweet

Soon after Hendrick officially released its statement, Spire Motorsports, an HMS affiliate, announced that the Clovis, California native Day would compete in eight Truck Series races, driving the #7 Chevy, and four ARCA events, piloting the #77 Chevrolet. Here's what Bob Pockrass wrote on X:

"Corey Day will do eight truck races in the No. 7 Spire truck and four ARCA races (including Daytona) in a No. 77 Spire car. HendrickCars to sponsor."

Expand Tweet

While this won't be his debut in the Truck Series, Day, previously competed for McAnally-Hilgemann Racing last year and racked up three top-20s in four starts.

Rick Hendrick approves of Kyle Larson and Jeff Gordon's endorsement of Corey Day

In an official press release by Hendrick Motorsports, 75-year-old Rick Hendrick expressed his thoughts on the recent signing of Corey Day to the Chevy roster. Moreover, Hendrick admitted that Day caught his attention because of special emphasis from the team's Vice Chairman Jeff Gordon, and its star driver Kyle Larson.

"When Kyle Larson and Jeff Gordon say someone is the real deal, it certainly gets your attention." Hendrick said. "Corey comes from a great racing family and in a short time has shown a level of talent that sets him apart.

"What he’s already accomplished at this point in his career speaks volumes, and it’s been impressive to see how quickly he’s adapted to pavement. We’re excited to welcome him to our team," he added.

Expand Tweet

Before rising through the ranks, Corey Day raced dirt bikes. He took inspiration from his father, Ronnie Day, a former stock car driver, and started competing in the USAC National Midget Series, followed by the Late Model and ARCA Series.

Day will start his ARCA season with the season opener race at Daytona International Speedway on February 15, followed by Phoenix Raceway (March 7), Sonoma Raceway (July 11), and Kansas Speedway (September 26).

On the other hand, his schedule with Spire in the Trucks include: