NASCAR
Haas Factory Team Moving into Hendrick-Aligned Partnership for 2026
KANNAPOLIS, N.C. – Announced Friday, Haas Factory Team will undergo a manufacturer change and compete with Chevrolet power for 2026. This change will include their NASCAR Cup Series No. 41 and both of their Xfinity Series (soon to be O’Reilly Auto Parts Series) entries. Included in this move is a technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports.
“First and foremost, we want to thank Ford for its partnership. Their support allowed us to establish Haas Factory Team and we remain dedicated to delivering results for them in Cup and Xfinity all the way through the season finale in Phoenix,” said Joe Custer, President, Haas Factory Team.
This realignment with Chevrolet encapsulates a full-circle moment for Haas Factory Team. Haas’ earliest days of operation in NASCAR began as Haas CNC Racing, founded by team owner Gene Haas in 2002. This iteration of the race team was Hendrick allied, and that only continued through their Stewart-Haas Racing tenure until 2016.
“Personally, I have a deep history with Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports,” Haas said. “Both helped in establishing not only my presence as a team owner in NASCAR, but also the presence of Haas Automation. Together, we were able to build a race team that competed for wins and championships while growing the use of Haas CNC machinery throughout the racing and manufacturing industries.”
“We have a long history with Gene and his organization, including winning championships together, so this feels almost like a homecoming,” said Rick Hendrick, owner, Hendrick Motorsports. “Our relationship started many years ago with Haas CNC machines in our facilities, and I’ve always admired the passion that he and Joe Custer have for the sport and their desire to win. We’re proud to support Haas Factory Team and thrilled to work together to deliver more victories for Chevrolet.”
The Haas driver lineup will remain unchanged despite this large move. Cole Custer will continue to drive the team’s flagship No. 41 entry in the Cup Series. Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer will also return to Haas Factory Team’s Nos. 00 and 41 teams in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.
Mayer is the only one of these drivers to find victory lane so far this season. The No. 41 took the checkers first at Iowa Speedway in August. Creed is also positioned to make the Xfinity Series Playoffs on points. Custer meanwhile has seen breakout runs at both Daytona races this season, being out front on the last lap in each event. Custer also saw another top-10 run at Mexico City in June. Fourth at Daytona in August was 2025’s high point to date for the 41.
Haas Factory Team will make its official return showing with Chevrolet on Feb. 1, in Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Custer will debut his No. 41 Chevrolet in the exhibition non-points Cup Series race. Creed and Mayer will likewise join the Bowtie Brigade in the season-opening O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race Feb. 14 at Daytona (Fla.) International Speedway.
Written by Peter Stratta
Be sure to follow us on Twitter/X
Be sure to follow the writer on Twitter/X
Photo Credit to Haas Factory Team
