Corey Day is emerging as a serious contender to replace Alex Bowman in Hendrick Motorsports’ coveted #48 Chevrolet for the 2027 NASCAR season, according to insider Freddie Kraft. On the “Door Bumper Clear” podcast, Kraft revealed that discussions are intensifying within the HMS garage about fast-tracking Day into the Cup Series seat, possibly as soon as next year. Day, currently competing full-time in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS), has caught the attention of team decision-makers with his rapid ascent and impressive performances.
“I know like talking about silly seasons kind of ramping up now. You hear a lot of you know, I would have thought Corey Day was a year away from getting in the #48 car or at least getting a chance of getting in the #48 car. I think that there's some serious conversations whether he might get in that car next year now,” Kraft said at the 59:21 mark of the podcast.
Bowman’s position at Hendrick Motorsports has grown uncertain amid a turbulent start to the 2026 campaign. The 33-year-old driver suffered a last-place finish in the Daytona 500 opener and missed four races due to vertigo symptoms. Beyond health setbacks, Bowman has struggled to find consistency, frequently finishing outside the top 20 and currently sitting 34th in the points standings. With his contract expiring this season, Bowman’s future with HMS hangs in the balance.
Meanwhile, Corey Day’s meteoric rise has impressed many within NASCAR’s ranks. Transitioning from sprint cars to asphalt racing, Day secured his first career NOAPS victory at Talladega Superspeedway while driving for Hendrick’s satellite team. His full-time rookie season in the series has showcased his potential to handle the pressures of top-tier competition, making him a natural candidate for the leap to the premier Cup Series.
Hendrick Motorsports endured a rare low point at last weekend’s Watkins Glen road course event, with all four drivers finishing outside the top 20. This marked the team’s worst collective road course showing since 2005. Defending Cup champion Kyle Larson led the quartet with a 23rd-place finish, followed closely by teammate Chase Elliott in 24th. Alex Bowman and William Byron struggled further back, finishing 25th and 36th respectively. The last time all four Hendrick drivers finished outside the top 20 on a road course was Sonoma Raceway in 2005, underscoring the depth of the team’s current struggles.
As Hendrick Motorsports reassesses its driver lineup amid poor results and mounting pressure, Corey Day’s name has surged to the forefront of replacement talks. With Bowman’s contract ticking down and his performance dipping, the 2027 season could signal a new era in the #48 Chevrolet — one potentially led by a rising star ready to stake his claim in NASCAR’s elite.
