Gene Haas’ Haas Factory team has announced the 2025 Xfinity driver lineup, reorganizing its current lineup and welcoming Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer to the organization.
Following Tony Stewart’s departure as team co-owner and the downsizing of Stewart Haas Racing, Gene Haas announced plans to retain a Cup Series card and continue his two-car Xfinity program. The renamed Haas Factory Team also announced Cole Custer as the Cup Series driver for 2025. Today, the Haas Factory Team announced the Xfinity driver lineup, with Sheldon Creed driving the No. 1 Ford. 1. 00 and Sam Mayer behind the wheel of the #41 Ford.
The team will not use car no. 98 next season as its current driver, Riley Herbst, has not yet announced his plans. With Creed and Mayer joining Haas next season, earlier rumors suggesting Ford Performance driver Hailie Deegan would join the organization have been quashed. Team president Joe Custer had already expressed interest in bringing Deegan to his team; However, it seems that the 23-year-old has not joined the team.
Creed is expected to compete for his third different Xfinity Series team in as many years next season. After leaving Richard Childress Racing last year, he currently drives the no. 18 for Joe Gibbs Racing. He still remains in contention for his first Xfinity win. Meanwhile, Mayer, who is currently in his third full-time season with JR Motorsports, will leave the organization for Haas. After collecting six wins over the past two seasons, Mayer continues his quest for his first Xfinity title.
Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer share their thoughts on joining Gene Haas’ Xfinity team
Currently the heads of the championship organizations, Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer have both explained their decision to join the Xfinity team of Gene Haas. Both drivers want to join the Cup Series in the future and see the Haas factory team as a stepping stone to the first series.
Creed, 26, hopes to emulate Cole Custer’s journey to the Cup Series and believes he can win races and championships with the team. He said (via NASCAR.com):
“I saw what Cole Custer did last year on his way to the Xfinity Series championship and when I talked to him about building the organization, everything he said resonated with me that I felt that the The Haas Factory team is a place where I can be successful and where Sam and I can work together to win races and be a championship contender.” Mayer, 21, also mentioned his ultimate goal of joining the NASCAR Cup Series, believing that driving for Gene Haas’ Xfinity team would provide valuable preparation for the top level. He said:
“The Cup is my ultimate goal and to really push myself to become the type of driver that can succeed in the Cup, I needed to get out of my comfort zone, challenge myself and improve my racing skills in a way that when the moment of the Cup comes, I will be ready The Haas team has prepared Cole Custer for his moment and this is a place that will help Sheldon and I will be ready for our moments.
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