It's not often that you get a second chance at something in life. Nascar Xfinity Series driver Cole Custer is getting a second chance as it was announced that Custer will drive the 41 car for the Hass Factory Team in the Cup series in 2025.
Currently, Custer drives for Stewart-Hass Racing in the Xfinity Series. After initially deciding to shut down at the end of the season, team co-owner Gene Hass said he would keep one Cup team and two Xfinity Series teams in 2025 under the Hass Factory Team banner. The team will have a technical alliance with Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing and get additional support from Ford Performance. The 41 SHR Cup series car charter will carry over to the Hass Factory Team.
“To get an opportunity back in Cup was the biggest goal,” Custer said." To have this opportunity to get to drive for Haas Factory Team next year is huge for me, and I think we can do some really special things with the resources we have as a team. We’re ready to get work and get some great people, and I think we’ll be able to compete with the best.”
Custer drove in the Cup Series for three seasons from 2000 to 2022. In 117 Cup Series starts, he had one win at Kentucky in 2020, two top-fives, and 12 top-10s. Last year, he returned to the Xfinity Series, winning three races and the championship.
Cole isn't a bad choice to drive for the Hass Factory Team in the Cup Series. Despite being demoted to the Xfinity Series, he has found success and deserves another shot in the Cup Series. However I don't think he'll have alot of success because single car teams usually don't have a lot of success in the Cup Series. I would expect Custer to struggle in the first half of the season next year. He could improve when we get into the year's second half. The alliance with RFK Racing will be a huge help, but expect them to struggle, at least for the year's first half.
Four of SHR's six drivers have announced their plans for next year. Chase Briscoe will replace the retiring Martin Truex Jr. at Joe Gibbs Racing, Josh Berry will replace Harrison Burton at the Wood Brothers, and Noah Gragson will join Front Row Motorsports. Ryan Preece is the only Cup driver who doesn't have a ride for next year. With the spot at the Hass Factory Team now filled up, Preece's best option for a ride in the Cup series next year is Front Row, which still has a seat open. Expect Preece to go to Front Row Motorsports.
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