Joe Custer on potential Haas Factory Team Xfinity drivers: ‘No lack of interest’
As Stewart-Haas Racing devolves, the announcement of a Haas Factory Team, which will field one Cup Series charter and two Xfinity Series cars, shook up the NASCAR world earlier this season.
While Cole Custer is earmarked to return to the Cup Series in Haas’ one-car team, the question of who will race in the Xfinity Series has been circulating. According to Joe Custer, one of the Haas Factory Team’s decision-makers, there isn’t exactly a lack of interest, and they’re examining their options.
‘”There is no lack of interest’ in the two Xfinity Series cars that Haas Factory Team will field next year says Joe Custer. ‘We’re getting close’ to announcing those drivers,” Kelly Crandall of RACER posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Additionally, Crandall noted that, “An offer has been made to Riley Herbst to remain with the program. However, Joe Custer says that Herbst and his team are looking at everything across the sport as far as options for next year.”
While Herbst would bring solid sponsorship and he’s been a reliable addition to their Xfinity program, there’s rumors that he’s circled for the third full-time 23XI Racing ride in 2025, bringing along his funding. That would take him out of the running for the Xfinity program, of course.
Alas, it remains to be seen, but at least the Haas Factory Team isn’t going to phone it in next season. Tony Stewart may be leaving the ownership group, but the team is going back to their roots, and they’ll be hoping to cultivate continued success in 2025 and beyond.
NASCAR insider gives update on potential change of plans for Stewart-Haas charters
Continuing, Stewart-Haas Racing will shut down at the end of the year, and a NASCAR insider gave an update on a potential change of plans for the remaining charters. Bob Pockrass of Fox Sports replied to a question on social media about the odds of Stewart-Haas selling just two charters.
“Never say never since deals likely contingent on charter deal but still expect Trackhouse, 23XI and Front Row to each obtain one of the SHR charters,” Pockrass wrote on X.
Pockrass reported in May that the three teams mentioned were expected to land charters. One charter has reportedly been sold to Front Row for $20 to $25 million, but the deal hasn’t been officially announced. Gene Haas the co-owner of Stewart-Haas announced in June that he will keep one Cup Series charter and will reorganize the team as Haas Factory Team for the 2025 season.
“My commitment to motorsports hasn’t changed, just the scope of my involvement,” Haas said in a release. “Operating a four-car Cup Series team has become too arduous but, at the same time, I still need a platform to promote Haas Automation and grow HaasTooling.com.
“Maintaining my presence in Cup allows Haas Automation to compete at NASCAR’s highest level, which is important to our customers and distributors. The Xfinity Series program provides a full weekend experience for our guests, and it delivers added depth and scale to our overall operation.”
On3’s Brian Jones contributed to this article.