Cole Custer will drive Rick Ware Racing No. 51 for Atlanta, New Hampshire, and Pocono
Fresh off his controversial Chicago Street Race win in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Cole Custer just got some major news for the Cup Series. Custer, who raced the No. 41 Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing just a season ago, is going back to the series in a new car. The driver is set to wheel the No. 51 for Rick Ware Racing.
This does make sense. RWR and SHR are tied together. When Jenson Button hopped in the No. 15 for Ware at COTA and Chicago, Haas was heavily involved in that process.
Given Rick Ware Racing’s situation this season with Cody Ware, this is a win for the organization. On the short tracks, they have put Ryan Newman in the car. Also, for road and street courses they’ve gone to other drivers such as Andy Lally. Cole Custer has Cup experience and fits into the organization well.
Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports announced the news on Twitter.
This is not the first stint that Cole Custer has had in the No. 51 for Rick Ware Racing. He ran his first three Cup Series starts with RWR in this car back in 2018. From 2020 to 2022, Custer raced for Stewart-Haas Racing in the 41. However, after a disappointing season last year, the organization moved him back to the Xfinity Series. So, Ryan Preece was promoted to the 41 car.
While Custer would prefer a full-time ride in the Cup Series, this will help him show he belongs. RWR is not known for its great finishes. So, if he can manage to make something happen in this car it will be a win.
Cole Custer back in the Cup Series
In the 2022 season, Cole Custer finished 25th overall in the standings. Before Atlanta in the summer, he was struggling to make the top-20 most weeks. While he did earn three top-10 finishes, it wasn’t enough. It was definitely a far cry from his playoff season in his 2020 rookie campaign. In fact, his win at Kentucky in 2020 is his last top-5 finish in the Cup Series.
The good news for Custer is that the pressure is off of him, really. In the 51 car, he can pretty much do whatever and as long as he doesn’t wreck the car, it will be a win. This season, that car has a best finish of P11 from Talladega. JJ Yeley was behind the wheel for that one.
The only other top-15 finish for this car was when Cody Ware finish P14 at Daytona. In fact, besides those superspeedway races, the 51 has failed to finish better than P23 this season. Expectations are low and that should give Custer some room to work.
Another opportunity in the Cup Series and potentially a tryout for a future ride. RWR will have to do something with their two charters next season. Would Custer give up an SHR ride in Xfinity for an RWR ride in the Cup Series?