Kannapolis, North Carolina – Gene Haas is set to maintain a presence in NASCAR for the upcoming season through a new venture known as Haas Factory Team. This development follows the recent announcement by Haas and Tony Stewart informing the closure of Stewart-Haas Racing at the end of the current season. Since 2009, Haas and Stewart have co-owned the team, participating in both the NASCAR Xfinity Series and Cup Series with multiple cars.
Haas will retain one of the charters from the four-car NASCAR Cup Series program while also continuing the two-car NASCAR Xfinity Series team, which secured the championship last season with Cole Custer at the helm. Despite the change, Haas remains dedicated to the motorsports industry, expressing a shift in the extent of his involvement. He stated, “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.”
Haas emphasized the significance of maintaining a presence in the Cup Series as it allows Haas Automation to compete at the highest level in NASCAR, crucial for their customers and distributors. Additionally, the Xfinity Series program offers a comprehensive experience for guests and contributes to the overall growth and reach of the operation. Notably, no specific drivers or team partners have been announced for Haas Factory Team, and the manufacturer involved was not disclosed.
Taking the helm as president of Haas Factory Team is Joe Custer, who currently serves as the co-president of Stewart-Haas Racing. The new venture will be housed in the existing Stewart-Haas Racing building, ensuring a seamless transition. In the Xfinity Series, Custer and Riley Herbst drive for Stewart-Haas Racing, while Josh Berry, Noah Gragson, Chase Briscoe, and Ryan Preece are the faces of the organization in the Cup Series. The future of Haas Factory Team sparks curiosity and anticipation within the NASCAR community as details unfold regarding drivers, partners, and the team’s manufacturer.