Sheldon Creed, currently driving for Joe Gibbs Racing (JGR), is set to join the Haas Factory team in 2025, taking the wheel of the #00 car. After his stints with Richard Childress Racing (RCR) and Chevrolet, as well as a time driving a Toyota for JGR, Creed will be trying his hand with Ford. Despite his consistent performance in the Xfinity Series, he’s yet to claim a victory, which makes this next chapter in his career feel like a leap of faith.
Throughout his time with JGR, Creed has earned a reputation as one of the most consistent drivers on the grid. However, the elusive win has always seemed just out of reach, even though he’s been a frequent contender at the front of the pack. For Creed, moving to Haas represented not just a chance to drive a competitive car but a fresh start and a new opportunity to break his winless streak. The #00 car, in particular, has been a strong contender in the field, and Creed believes that the timing is right for him to make this move.
Haas Factory Racing, though off to a slow start in 2024, has found its rhythm, particularly with Cole Custer at the wheel. Custer, fresh off his 2023 championship win, regained his momentum in the #00 car and heads into the playoffs with two victories and the regular season championship title under his belt. His teammate, Riley Herbst, also qualified for the playoffs after securing a win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
In contrast, Creed’s season with JGR has been productive but frustrating. He’s had 13 top-five finishes in the #18 Toyota but hasn’t been able to seal the deal with a win, leaving him in a precarious position heading into the playoffs. Creed’s decision to leave JGR and join Haas seems to signal his belief that a change in teams could be what he needs to finally get that long-awaited victory.
When asked about his decision to leave JGR, Creed explained that it was a tough, but ultimately necessary, business move. “I’ve really enjoyed my time with Joe Gibbs Racing and Toyota,” he said on the NASCAR Live podcast. “It was purely a business decision to move on. I’m happy to have landed at a winning organization like Stewart Haas; it’ll be Haas Factory next year. Watching the #00 and #98 cars racing this year, their stuff is really good.” Creed’s optimism about his future with Haas suggests that he believes the team will provide him with the competitive edge he’s been searching for.
While his 2025 plans are set, Creed’s focus remains on the current season, where he’s determined to make the most of the upcoming playoffs. Despite having finished second 13 times in his Xfinity career, including six second-place finishes in 2024 alone, Creed has yet to notch a win. His recent runner-up finishes at Watkins Glen and Bristol Motor Speedway are just the latest examples of how close he’s come, only to fall short at the last moment. As the playoffs approach, Creed is determined to change that narrative and finally secure a victory.
Looking ahead to the playoffs, Creed made his intentions clear. “Obviously, I want to be consistent these next seven races, but I would really love to win in this first round, win stages, and get our points up,” he said. “Winning Vegas or Homestead would be ideal, so we can have an off weekend for Martinsville in the Round of 8.” Creed understands that consistency is key, but he knows that stage wins and strong performances will be crucial if he wants to advance through the playoffs.
Creed acknowledged that his lack of stage wins puts him in a tough spot, but he remains confident that he can turn things around. “We’re starting on the bubble,” he explained. “But it’s definitely doable. Everyone’s going to be good, and it’ll be important to capitalize on stage points. Starting negative three points is just three spots in a stage, so we’ve got to be sharp from the get-go.”
Despite the challenges he’s faced, Creed is optimistic about his chances in the playoffs. One victory could turn his season around and provide the momentum his team needs. For now, all eyes are on Kansas Speedway, where the #18 team will be looking to make their mark and push forward in their playoff campaign.
As Creed prepares for his new chapter with Haas in 2025, his immediate focus remains on winning in the present. He knows that a strong playoff performance could not only end his winless streak but also give him the confidence and momentum he needs heading into his new role. All it takes is one win to change everything, and Sheldon Creed is determined to make it happen.
Sheldon Creed Shocks NASCAR by Choosing Gene Haas Over Joe Gibbs’ Legacy
