Longtime RFK employee hired as Haas Factory Team competition director

Haas Factory Team continues to make hires and it looks more and more like this is an extension of RFK Racing in 2025. RFK added a third charter this year, leasing one from Rick Ware Racing, but this NASCAR organization now has a big sphere of influence.

Nick Sandler, an RFK employee of two decades including a two-year stint as a crew chief, is now competition director for Haas Factory Team. There are a lot of former RFK employees over at Haas now.

Sandler is part of a number of hires and competition decisions that Haas announced today. Jonathan Toney is going to be crew chief of the No. 00 once again in the Xfinity Series, this time with Sheldon Creed. Jason Trinchere, previously at Kaulig and Spire, is going to be Sam Mayer’s crew chief in the Xfinity Series.

Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports reported on the hirings and announcements today. Those RFK ties are deep at Haas now.

Nick Sandler, who has been at RFK for about 20 years including as a crew chief, is now competition director for Haas Factory Team. HFT also announced Xfinity crew chiefs: Jonathan Toney remains at 00 with Sheldon Creed, Jason Trinchere (Spire, Kaulig) will crew chief Sam Mayer

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) January 8, 2025

Haas Factory Team has a technical alliance with RFK Racing. It has become increasingly clear that it is much deeper than a simple data-sharing partnership. This is for all intents and purposes the fourth RFK car.

When you add in the fact that Rick Ware Racing has a similar relationship with RFK, that pushes that operation to five cars. In fact, RWR has its shop in the RFK building.

This has effectively split the Ford Cup Series teams into two camps. Roush and Penske.

Haas Factory Team aligns with RFK Racing

Let’s break down the Cup Series as far as Ford teams are concerned. Six total organizations with charters will race Ford Mustang Dark Horses. Team Penske, Front Row Motorsports, and Wood Brothers Racing are on one side.

Then, on the other side, you have RFK Racing, Haas Factory Team, and Rick Ware Racing. Penske and RFK are acting as the parent organizations. Front Row and Haas are the secondary teams. Finally, you have Wood Bros and Rick Ware.

The Penske alliance has seven cars total and the RFK alliance has five. If you are looking for a storyline to follow, this is a fun one for 2025. Which Ford camp from top to bottom will be better this season?

I’m not sure Haas Factory Team and the RFK alliance will be able to compete with the Penske group. Of course, Penske has won three straight Cup Series championships with two different drivers. With that said, I’m optimistic for both RFK and Haas in 2025.