Cole Custer, the 26-year-old NASCAR driver, is set to make his return to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2025 after a brief stint in the Xfinity series. The announcement was made at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where the NASCAR Xfinity and Cup series were racing over the weekend.
Haas Factory Racing, the newly rebranded single-car team under Gene Haas, will be backing Custer in the upcoming season. The team, which retains a coveted Charter for guaranteed race entry, has formed a technical alliance with Roush-Fenway Keselowski Racing and continues to be supported by Ford.
Cole Custer, a former NASCAR Xfinity champion with 14 wins in 162 starts, brings a wealth of experience to the team. Having previously competed in the Cup series from 2020 to 2022, Custer clinched his first Cup series victory in 2020. Despite a challenging period at Rick Ware Racing in 2022, Custer returns to the Cup series with newfound maturity and determination.
Gene Haas expressed his confidence in Custer's abilities, stating, 'Cole is coming back wiser and tougher. We're very happy to have him in our colors and in our racecar.' The move sees Custer taking over the No. 41 Ford from Ryan Preece, who has had limited success since assuming the role.
In a statement reflecting on his growth during his time away from the Cup series, Custer mentioned, 'I've matured a lot and learned how to work with my team to get the car performing at its best every weekend. With a family on the way, I feel more grounded and focused on my goals in the sport.'
The return of Cole Custer to the NASCAR Cup series marks a significant moment for both the driver and Haas Factory Racing. Fans eagerly anticipate his performance in the upcoming season, as Custer aims to make his mark once again in the world of NASCAR.
