Imagine a racing world where legends like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Rick Hendrick join forces to shape the future of NASCAR. Sounds like a dream, right? But here’s where it gets even more exciting: their partnership isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about cultivating the next generation of racing stars. After a 13-year hiatus, Hendrick Motorsports (HMS) reignited its Xfinity Series program in 2022, teaming up with Earnhardt Jr.’s JR Motorsports. This powerhouse collaboration reintroduced the No. 17 Chevrolet, a move that’s now paying dividends in more ways than one.
And this is the part most people miss: With limited practice time in recent seasons, especially post-2020, HMS Cup drivers like Chase Elliott, Kyle Larson, and William Byron saw the Xfinity Series as a golden opportunity to sharpen their skills. Since 2024, each of these drivers has taken the No. 17 Chevy to Victory Lane, with Byron’s win at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May standing out as a recent highlight. But it’s not just about the big names—rising talents like Corey Day, Jake Finch, and Truck Series regular Rajah Caruth have also gotten their shot behind the wheel, proving the program’s commitment to nurturing future stars.
Under the leadership of 10-time Cup Series-winning crew chief Greg Ives, the No. 17 team made 21 starts in 2025, operating as a mirror image of HMS’s Cup operations. Ahead of the 2025 season, Adam Wall, formerly an engineer on Larson’s No. 5 team, stepped into the role of crew chief, further solidifying the program’s structure. Here’s the controversial part: While the Xfinity team operates independently, it serves as a critical proving ground for HMS’s next generation, allowing emerging talent to witness Cup-level operations firsthand. Jeff Gordon openly admits this hands-on approach is key to HMS’s long-term succession plan, enabling drivers, crew chiefs, engineers, and mechanics to naturally progress to Cup-level roles when the time is right.
The partnership with JR Motorsports remains a linchpin of this effort. Corey Day and Adam Wall regularly attend JRM’s weekly competition meetings, ensuring both organizations are aligned. For 2025, the No. 17 team’s primary focus has been on Corey Day’s development, particularly his transition from dirt to pavement racing. After a P22 finish at the Charlotte Roval, Day is set to return to the car at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with additional starts at Martinsville and Phoenix. These races aren’t just about logging laps—they’re about solidifying the No. 17’s role as a vital talent pipeline for HMS’s future.
But here’s the question that sparks debate: Is this partnership a blueprint for other teams to follow, or does it give HMS an unfair advantage in cultivating talent? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below. One thing’s for sure: as Hendrick and Earnhardt Jr. continue to collaborate, the future of NASCAR looks brighter than ever—and we can’t wait to see who emerges next from this racing incubator.
