Newly-formed Haas Factory Team to have ‘technical alliance’ with RFK Racing

As Stewart-Haas Racing ends their time in the NASCAR Cup Series, the Haas Factory Team has been born, and they’ll be running one car in the Cup Series, and two in the Xfinity Series.

On Saturday, it was revealed Cole Custer will return to the Cup Series in their seat, looking to provide stability and success in his second go-round on the circuit. He’s been cultivating his skill at the Xfinity Series level, looking to prove he’s talented enough to ride with the best.

When he returns, he’ll have some serious help, even though it’ll be a one-car team. Custer will takeover the charter associated with No. 41 Ford, the same one which he drove during his first stint, according to Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic. However, the more interesting tidbit is the team will have a technical alliance with RFK Racing.

Haas Factory Team president Joe Custer says the team is retaining the charter associated with the No. 41 car. The team will also have an "open book" technical alliance with RFK Racing.

— Jordan Bianchi (@Jordan_Bianchi) July 20, 2024

“Haas Factory Team president Joe Custer says the team is retaining the charter associated with the No. 41 car,” Bianchi posted on X. “The team will also have an ‘open book’ technical alliance with RFK Racing.”

Over the last two seasons, RFK Racing has really come into their own, with Brad Kesleowski and Chris Buescher both finding Victory Lane. An alliance with one of Ford’s strongest teams will go a long way towards helping the Haas Factory Team.

Many thought whoever took over the single charter for what’s left of SHR would be entering a terrible spot, but it seems as if the Haas Factory Team is committed to have success in 2025. They’re on the right track already.

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.