Haas Factory Team Overview
Haas Factory Team (HFT) is an American professional stock car racing team competing in the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Founded in 2025 and owned by Gene Haas, the team is based in Kannapolis, North Carolina. HFT emerged following the closure of Stewart–Haas Racing and fields entries in car numbers 41 and 00. With Joe Custer as president, the team has quickly established itself with competitive race participation and a victory in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Founding and Organizational Origins
Haas Factory Team was created in 2025 after Stewart–Haas Racing announced it would shut down its Cup and Xfinity teams following the 2024 season. Gene Haas retained one of the team’s charters and reorganized the operation under the new Haas Factory Team name. Joe Custer was appointed team president to lead the new venture. The team operates out of the same shop previously used by Stewart–Haas Racing, located in Kannapolis, North Carolina, close to Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Growth Into NASCAR Competition
HFT began competition in 2025, entering both the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Initially, the team ran Ford Mustangs with technical alliances including RFK Racing, RSS Racing, and AM Racing in the Xfinity Series. In 2026, the team announced a switch to Chevrolet, forming a technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports, marking Haas’s return to Chevrolet after Stewart–Haas Racing’s switch to Ford in 2017.
Haas Factory Team Competitive Journey
Since its inception, Haas Factory Team has rapidly progressed in NASCAR competition, participating in 69 races across the Cup and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in its debut year. The team has earned two pole positions and secured a race victory in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Early Seasons and Development (2025)
In its inaugural 2025 season, HFT fielded two full-time entries: the No. 41 car driven by Cole Custer in the Cup Series and the No. 00 car driven by Sheldon Creed in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Sam Mayer also drove the No. 41 car in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The team faced challenges adapting to competition, with Custer’s best Cup finishes being eighth at Mexico and fourth at Daytona. Mayer achieved a notable second-place finish at Daytona and later won at Iowa, marking a significant milestone for the team.
Breakthrough in NASCAR Competition (2025)
HFT’s breakthrough came with Sam Mayer’s victory in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Iowa, which was also Ford’s first win of the year. The team demonstrated competitive consistency throughout the season, with Mayer maintaining strong performances. Despite some setbacks, including Mayer’s suspension for one race late in the season, the team showed resilience and growth. Technical alliances and strategic partnerships contributed to their competitive edge.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2025–Present)
Currently, Haas Factory Team is owned by Gene Haas with Joe Custer as president. The team operates from Kannapolis, North Carolina, leveraging the former Stewart–Haas Racing facilities. In 2026, HFT will transition to Chevrolet vehicles, supported by a technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports. The current driver lineup includes Cole Custer in the Cup Series and Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The team aims to build on its early success and establish itself as a consistent contender in NASCAR.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
HFT focuses on leveraging strong technical alliances and experienced leadership to develop competitive race strategies. The team emphasizes consistency and adaptability, excelling in both national series with a balanced approach to vehicle performance and driver development.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Key moments for Haas Factory Team include its formation in 2025 following the Stewart–Haas Racing closure, the signing of notable drivers Sheldon Creed, Cole Custer, and Sam Mayer, and the team’s first race victory in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The transition to Chevrolet in 2026 marks a significant strategic shift.
Haas Factory Team Achievements and Results
Despite being a newly established team, Haas Factory Team has quickly made its mark with competitive participation and a race victory in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The team has earned two pole positions and continues to build its presence in NASCAR.
NASCAR Achievements
HFT competed in 69 races during its debut year, securing two pole positions and one race victory in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The victory at Iowa by Sam Mayer stands out as the team’s first major win. While the team has yet to secure a championship, its early results show promise for future success.
Series Achievements
In the NASCAR Cup Series, Cole Custer has driven the No. 41 car, achieving top-10 finishes including eighth at Mexico and fourth at Daytona. In the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer have contributed to the team’s competitive results, with Mayer’s win at Iowa being a highlight. The team continues to develop its drivers and competitive capabilities across both series.
