NCWTS: JR Motorsports Expands to Truck Series, Cole Custer to Run 10 Races

JR Motorsports announced on Monday, January 12th that they are expanding into the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2015. The 2014 NASCAR XFINITY Series Champions will be running 10 races, with Cole Custer behind the wheel.

“This is a new and exciting venture for us,” JR Motorsports General Manager Kelley Earnhardt Miller said.  “We have come a long way since racing street stocks in 2002, and we are constantly evolving.  Expanding into the truck series on a part-time basis is furthering our growth.  Bringing in a talent like Cole and a great partner like Haas Automation is a great way to do that.  I’m proud of the direction we’re heading.”

Custer, who is turning 17 this month, scored a victory last year at New Hampshire Motorsport Speedway in his seventh career start to become the youngest winner in NASCAR National Touring Series history. The Landera Ranch, California native is the son of Stewart-Haas Racing General Manager Joe Custer.

“I’m so excited to get this season started,” Custer commented.  “With all that JR Motorsports has accomplished over the past few years, we know we have everything needed to go win races and compete.  I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity with a better organization.  I really want to thank Haas Automation, along with Kelley and Dale Jr. for putting this deal together.”

Using the No. 00, Custer will recieve primary sponsorship from Haas Automation, Inc., which is the largest CNC machine tool builder in North America. The company, founded in 1983 by Gene Haas, has sponsored Custer for the past four years in his progression through the racing ranks.

“I’ve watched Cole develop as a driver and young man for several years,” Haas said.  “Last year Cole successfully represented Haas Automation, bringing attention to machine tool buyers following the truck series by winning poles and races.  When presented the opportunity to sponsor the championship team of JR Motorsports with Cole as the driver, I simply said yes.  I have complete confidence in Dale Jr., Kelley, and Cole’s ability to take Haas Automation to victory lane.”

JR Motorsports also announced that Custer’s trucks will be based out of a JR Motorsports satellite shop in Mooresville, North Carolina with Joe Shear, Jr. serving as the crew chief. Shear Jr. crew chiefed for Custer last year in his nine starts, which resulted in a win, two top-fives and six top-10 finishes.

The 10 race schedule for Custer includes: Martinsville Speedway (March 28), Dover International Speedway (May 29), Gateway Motorsports Park (June 13), Iowa Speedway (June 19), Eldora Speedway (July 22), Bristol Motor Speedway (Aug. 19), Canadian Tire Motorsports Park (Aug. 30), New Hampshire Motor Speedway (Sept. 26), Martinsville Speedway (Oct. 31) and Phoenix International Raceway (Nov. 13).

Custer will also be racing select NASCAR K&N Pro Series and ARCA Racing Series in 2015 as part of his schedule, with those race dates announced at a later date.