Photo Credit: Noel Lanier
Stewart Haas Racing announced on Friday that Cole Custer will be the driver for its XFINITY Series team, which will make its debut next season.
Custer will drive the No.00 Ford full time and compete for rookie of the year honors. Haas Automation will serve as primary sponsor.
“Cole Custer has accomplished a lot at a very young age and is well positioned to make the next step to the NASCAR XFINITY Series,” said Greg Zipadelli, vice president of competition, SHR. “Our goal with our XFINITY Series program is to develop young talent, and that includes behind the wheel. Cole has earned this opportunity and we look forward to working with him.”
Custer currently competes full-time for JR Motorsports in the Camping World Truck Series and has two wins and four poles in 34 career NCWTS starts. Custer has also competed in three XFINITY Series races this season with a best finish of fourth coming at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May.
“I’ve really enjoyed the XFINITY Series races I’ve run this year and I’m looking forward to running the full schedule in 2017,” Custer said. “It’s a new challenge, and with the resources of Stewart-Haas Racing, I’m in the best position to learn and succeed. I’m grateful for the chance they’ve given me and I plan to make the most of it.”
“I’ve watched Cole grow up on and off the racetrack,” said Gene Haas, founder and president, Haas Automation. “He’s found success at every level and represented Haas Automation very well. The XFINITY Series is the next step in his career and we’re proud to be a part of it.”
