In news as unsurprising as water being wet, Cole Custer is returning to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2025. After a stint in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, the 26-year-old is rejoining the top tier. The announcement was made at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where both the NASCAR Xfinity and Cup Series are racing this weekend.
The newly rebranded Haas Factory Racing, a downsized version of Stewart-Haas Racing, will field a single car. Gene Haas, supported by his companies Haas Automation and Haas Tooling, is backing the new team. Haas originally started his NASCAR team in 2002, expanding into Stewart-Haas Racing in 2009 with Tony Stewart. After parting ways with Stewart, Haas is returning to a single-car setup with Cole Custer, son of longtime Stewart-Haas executive Joe Custer, as the driver. Joe has been managing daily operations while Gene focused on Formula 1 and Stewart on NHRA racing.
Haas Factory Racing retains its NASCAR Charter, ensuring race entry. While other Stewart-Haas drivers have moved on, Ryan Preece, currently in the No. 41 Ford, will be replaced by Custer next season.
Cole Custer, the reigning NASCAR Xfinity champion with 14 wins in 162 starts, previously raced in the Cup Series from 2020 to 2022, winning his first race in 2020. After being replaced by Preece in 2022, Custer raced for Rick Ware Racing. Now, with more experience, Custer is set to return to the Cup Series, while Preece exits despite his efforts.
“The NASCAR Cup Series is tough,” said Gene Haas. “But Cole is coming back wiser and tougher. We’re very happy to have him in our colors and in our racecar.” Preece has had a challenging run, securing just two top-10 finishes. The new Haas Factory Racing team, with Ford’s backing and a technical alliance with Roush-Fenway Keselowski Racing, is ready for 2025.
Reflecting on his time away, Custer said, “I’ve matured a lot. I’ve always been the quieter guy, but I needed to grow in working with people and getting the car right every weekend. Now, with a wife and a child on the way, I’m more solidified in who I am and what I need to do in the sport and in the cars.”
Cole Custer’s return to the NASCAR Cup Series is as predictable and satisfying as a favorite rock band reuniting.
