NASCAR: 3 possible replacements for Cole Custer in 2025
As a dedicated NASCAR fan with over two decades of racing under my belt (metaphorically speaking), I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia as Cole Custer returns to the Cup Series after his triumphant Xfinity Series comeback. The ups and downs of this young racer’s career have been quite the rollercoaster ride, but it seems he’s determined to prove that he’s more than just a one-hit wonder.
Following two years competing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Cole Custer will be back in the Cup Series, and he’s returning to a car that was previously his for three consecutive years.
From 2020 to 2022, Custer was the driver for Stewart-Haas Racing’s NASCAR Cup Series, piloting car No. 41. In his debut season, he achieved his first career victory at Kentucky Speedway and qualified for the playoffs. However, his progress seemed to stagnate after that point.
After two underperforming years, Ryan Preece took over for him in 2023. Instead of giving up, he went back to the Xfinity Series, resuming his role as driver of the No. 00 Ford from 2017-2019. In his comeback season, he managed three victories and claimed the championship title.
Stewart-Haas Racing recently announced their plans to cease operations after the 2024 season. But team co-owner Gene Haas retained the charter used to run the No. 41 entry and announced the creation of Haas Factory Team. Custer was announced as the team’s driver for 2025.
With Haas Factory Team joining the Xfinity Series as well, who is going to fill Custer’s role as the driver for the No. 00 Ford? Let me present you with three potential candidates.
No. 1 – Ryan Preece
Among the four current drivers of Stewart-Haas Racing, Ryan Preece is the only one who hasn’t secured a drive for the 2025 season as of now, making him a potential fit for the No. 00 Ford.
Instead of focusing on Custer’s comeback to the Cup Series, let’s consider the driver who took over from him last season as an option. This switch might prove beneficial for everyone involved. If Custer aims for a second chance at success in NASCAR’s premier division, the No. 00 car could maintain its competitive edge in the Xfinity Series with Preece driving it.
Preece boasts two victories in the Xfinity Series under his belt, both achieved while driving for Joe Gibbs Racing. A switch back to a lesser series and a permanent role in a strong vehicle might provide just the boost he needs to revitalize and maintain his success in NASCAR racing.
No. 2 – Harrison Burton
It seems unlikely that Harrison Burton is interested in discussions about Haas Factory Team or their drivers at this moment, given that he learned about his departure from Wood Brothers Racing to make room for Josh Berry with Stewart-Haas Racing after the 2024 season. However, a potential new full-time driving opportunity could help soften the blow of this recent development.
For two complete racing seasons, Burton piloted the No. 20 Toyota under Joe Gibbs Racing, securing victory in four different events.
Moving back to the Xfinity Series might be beneficial for Burton, similar to how it worked out for Cole Custer. Over the past three years in the Cup Series, he has managed just five top 10 finishes. A return to a winning team and gathering more experience could prove advantageous.
In his final year with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2021, Burton had an opportunity to race once in the Cup Series for Gaunt Brothers Racing. This experience could pave the way for him to secure a full-time position in the Cup Series in the future.
For the native of Huntersville, North Carolina, a complete involvement in the Xfinity Series, along with selected races in the Cup Series, might be an ideal timetable for him in the year 2025.
As a dedicated fan, I’m thrilled to share that Trevor Burton has secured sponsorship from DEX Imaging, a leading retail office equipment provider. Over the years, DEX Imaging has been an integral part of Burton’s NASCAR journey, and it seems likely they will continue to support him as he embarks on his next adventure in the coming year.
Haas Automation has primarily sponsored the No. 00 Ford during Custer’s tenure in the Xfinity Series, but they will now sponsor his No. 41 Ford when he transitions to the Cup Series. This means that any funding Burton might provide would likely fill the gap left by Custer’s move.
Given suitable financial backing and an opportunity for personal growth, Burton’s move to the Haas Factory Team might offer him the second chance at success that he requires.
After no longer having a ride from a Stewart-Haas Racing driver, finding an opportunity within the same team could aid in the healing process. In simpler terms, if you cannot compete against them, consider becoming one of them.
No. 3 – Hailie Deegan
Hailie Deegan has emerged as an unpredictable factor for several NASCAR teams, such as the Haas Factory Team, after being let go by AM Racing, opening up potential opportunities for her elsewhere.
It’s been suggested that she could step in as a substitute for Cole Custer. In fact, Joe Custer, head of Haas Factory Team, has acknowledged they’ve already discussed this possibility with her. He holds her in high regard, stating that the team is confident there’s untapped potential within her.
As a passionate follower, I acknowledge that AM Racing hasn’t reached the same level as Gene Haas’ team, given they haven’t claimed a victory yet. However, it wouldn’t be fair to pin all Deegan’s struggles solely on them. A brief respite from racing could potentially benefit her, providing an opportunity for fresh perspectives and perhaps landing a new driving role in the future.
In her absence, Joey Logano piloted the No. 15 Ford to its initial top 10 placement in races this year at the Chicago Street Course. Bringing in a two-time Cup Series champion like Deegan might have been expected to slow down the losses, but his average finish of 26.8 highlights why AM Racing ultimately chose to part ways.
Since Deegan joined Ford in 2020, it seems logical that they would want to retain her talents in some form. The No. 00 Ford might offer them just that chance.
Riding with Haas Factory Team might be Deegan’s final opportunity to secure a top-tier ride in NASCAR. Prior to joining the Xfinity Series, she raced for ThorSport Racing in the Truck Series. Joining a team that has won five championships offered her a promising platform for achievement, but she managed just two top 10 finishes.
It remains to be seen whether an agreement can be reached between the racer from Temecula, California and the Haas Factory Team. The team aims to maintain their No. 00 squad in title race competitiveness for the upcoming season, while Deegan seeks recompense.
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2024-08-03 15:02