HOMESTEAD, Fla.: Stewart-Haas Racing confirmed Friday morning that NASCAR Xfinity Series standout Cole Custer will be elevated to the NASCAR Cup Series driving the No. 41 Haas Automation Ford Mustang beginning with the 2020 season.
Custer will replace Daniel Suarez who will not return after one season with the Cup Series powerhouse.
Jim Utter of Motorsport.com first reported the movement Thursday afternoon.
Custer has a chance to add the 2019 Xfinity Series championship to his resume, as the 21-year-old driver from Ladera Ranch, California, is set to compete for the series title on Saturday at Homestead-Miami Speedway as part of the Championship 4 with fellow Xfinity Series drivers Tyler Reddick, Christopher Bell and Justin Allgaier.
Custer finished second in last year’s Xfinity Series championship to Reddick, and 2019 has proven to be a breakout campaign for Custer. He came into the season with two wins – one in 2017 and another in 2018.
This year alone, he has claimed seven victories, six poles, 16 top-fives, 23 top-10s and led 907 laps. Custer’s seven wins are the second-most this year, behind only Bell with eight wins. Custer’s six poles ties him with Bell for the most poles this season.
“This is the moment I’ve worked for ever since I first started racing,” said Custer, who began racing quarter midgets at age five. “I’ve learned a lot in these last three years in the Xfinity Series, and to be able to stay within Stewart-Haas Racing will make a steep learning curve a little less steep. I know the people, the culture and what’s expected of me. I’m ready for this challenge.”
Gene Haas, co-owner of Stewart Haas Racing with three-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart said he needed to see Custer win more before graduating him to the pinnacle series of the sport.
“I was asked last year about this time what Cole needed to do to earn his place in the NASCAR Cup Series, and I said he needed to win,” said Haas.
“Well, Cole has done that – a lot. He showed that he’s ready to compete at the next level and we’re giving him that opportunity.”
Stewart said the NASCAR Next alumnus has earned the chance to compete in the Cup Series.
“Cole has certainly earned his spot in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2020,” Stewart added. “He’s consistently running up front, leading laps and winning races. The level of competition increases dramatically in the NASCAR Cup Series, but it’s where Cole belongs after having proven himself in the Xfinity Series.”
The Rookie of the Year battle next season is shaping up to be one of the best in years. Three of the four in the Xfinity Series championship 4 – Christopher Bell, Custer and Tyler Reddick will all have Cup rides in 2020.
Follow Chris Knight on Twitter @Knighter01.
