Denny Hamlin Warns Against Rushing Hendrick Prospect Corey Day to NASCAR Cup Series in 2027
Despite a breakout win at Talladega, Denny Hamlin says moving Corey Day to the Cup Series next season would be too fast — and Connor Zilisch's struggles prove why.
Video Transcript
Denny Hamlin questions top Hendrick prospect Corey Day potentially joining Cup Series in 2027.
Corey Day just won at Talladega.
A Cup Series seat at Hendrick Motorsports could be opening up.
So is he ready?
Denny Hamlin says not so fast.
Day is 20 years old, racing in the O'Reilly Auto Parts series for Hendrick, and he's been on a tear, nine top tens, four top fives, and now his first win.
With Alex Bowman struggling through a contract year in the number forty-eight, there's real speculation Day could slide into that seat in 2027.
Hamlin was asked about it directly on his Actions Detrimental podcast and said, quote, "Next year?
Oh man, that would be quick.
I wouldn't advise that, but you never know."
His take, two full seasons in OIRS first, maybe a few Cup starts sprinkled in.
And there's a reason for caution.
Look at Connor Zilisch, dominated OIRS last year with historic numbers, then jumped to the Cup Series with Trackhouse and is posting one of the worst average finishing positions among full-time drivers.
The step up is brutal, even for elite talent.
Day has the tools.
Hendrick has the cars.
But timing matters, and even Denny Hamlin thinks patience is the smarter play here.
