Haas Factory Team Transitions to Chevrolet in NASCAR
The Haas Factory Team is making a significant shift in its racing strategy as it moves away from Ford and aligns itself with Chevrolet for the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series. This transition marks a pivotal moment for the team, which fields one full-time Cup Series team featuring Cole Custer and two full-time Xfinity Series teams with drivers Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer. The decision to switch manufacturers will not affect the current driver lineup for the upcoming 2026 racing season, but it does signal a new chapter in the team’s competitive journey.
A Major Manufacturer Shift
The move to Chevrolet comes with a new technical partnership, where the Haas Factory Team will collaborate closely with Hendrick Motorsports, a powerhouse in the NASCAR scene known for its impressive record and expertise. This partnership will also see the team utilizing engines supplied by Hendrick, enhancing the performance potential of the cars on the track. Joe Custer, president of the Haas Factory Team, expressed gratitude towards Ford, acknowledging their role in helping establish the team’s presence in the NASCAR landscape. He emphasized the commitment to deliver results throughout the racing season, culminating in the season finale in Phoenix.
Historical Context with Chevrolet
This is not the first time Gene Haas has worked with Chevrolet in the realm of NASCAR. His initial venture, Haas CNC Racing, utilized Chevrolet engines for several years, and this legacy continued with the formation of Stewart-Haas Racing in 2009. Under this banner, Haas and his team achieved remarkable success, clinching NASCAR Cup Series championships in both 2011 and 2014. The partnership with Chevrolet lasted until the conclusion of the 2016 season when a decision was made to transition to Ford.
The rebranding that followed the shutdown of Stewart-Haas Racing at the end of the 2024 season saw Haas retain one charter for the 2026 season, aiming to build a competitive presence once more. Despite some challenges, including Custer’s valiant efforts in the Daytona races, the team has faced difficulties in 2026, with the No. 41 Ford currently ranked 33rd in points and only two top-ten finishes to its name.
Gene Haas’s Commitment to Chevrolet
Gene Haas’s connection with Chevrolet runs deep. In a press release, he reflected on his long-standing history with both Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports. He noted that both entities played a crucial role in establishing his identity as a team owner in NASCAR and in promoting Haas Automation, his manufacturing business. The partnership allowed him to build a race team that not only competed for wins but also contributed to the broader adoption of Haas CNC machinery in various industries, including racing.
Rick Hendrick’s Perspective
Rick Hendrick, the esteemed owner and founder of Hendrick Motorsports, shared his enthusiasm about the renewed partnership with Haas. He described it as a "homecoming," given their long history together, which includes championship victories. Hendrick emphasized the significance of their collaboration, stating that it began years ago with the integration of Haas CNC machines into their operations. He expressed admiration for the passion that Gene Haas and Joe Custer have for racing, along with their relentless drive to succeed. Hendrick Motorsports already has a technical alliance with Spire Motorsports and the No. 47 Hyak Motorsports entry in the Cup Series, further solidifying its position in the NASCAR community.
The Future of Haas Factory Team
As the Haas Factory Team embarks on this new journey with Chevrolet, the implications are significant. The decision to switch manufacturers could lead to enhanced performance on the track, renewed competitive spirit, and a chance to reclaim past glory. The technical support from Hendrick Motorsports is expected to be a game-changer, potentially giving the team the edge it needs to push for victories.
With Cole Custer at the wheel of the full-time Cup Series team, there is a sense of optimism surrounding the team’s prospects. Custer’s experience and talent behind the wheel could be instrumental in navigating the challenges ahead, especially as they adapt to the new Chevrolet machinery and align their strategies with Hendrick’s proven methodologies.
Building on Past Successes
The history between Haas and Chevrolet is one filled with achievements and milestones. The success of Stewart-Haas Racing during its collaboration with Chevrolet laid a strong foundation that the Haas Factory Team aims to build upon in this new era. The synergy created by this partnership could lead to a resurgence in performance, allowing the team to once again be a formidable contender in both the NASCAR Cup Series and Xfinity Series.
Conclusion
The transition of the Haas Factory Team from Ford to Chevrolet marks a significant turning point in the team’s racing strategy. With a rich history of collaboration between Haas and Chevrolet, coupled with a new technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports, there is a sense of excitement about what the future holds. As the team works to harness the potential of its new partnership, the NASCAR community will be watching closely to see how this move impacts their performance on the track. The determination to succeed, coupled with the resources and expertise from Hendrick, could very well pave the way for a successful comeback, setting the stage for new achievements and victories in the forthcoming seasons.
