Manufacturer: Ford
Engine: Roush-Yates Engines
Driver-Crew Chief Pairing: Cole Custer-Aaron Kramer (No. 41)

Team Outlook: Following the announcement of Stewart-Haas Racing’s closure at the end of the 2024 season, the Haas Factory Team emerges as a new single-car operation for 2025. With Gene Haas now solely at the helm, the organization aims to maintain its competitive edge despite the downsizing from SHR’s former four-car stable.

“Our commitment to NASCAR remains strong,” said Gene Haas. “We’re focused on building a successful program around Cole and this new chapter for our organization.”

COLE CUSTER, NO. 41 FORD

Experience: 3 full seasons in the NASCAR Cup Series
2024 Stats: Runner-up in NASCAR Xfinity Series; 2 wins, 14 top fives, 23 top 10s, 3 poles
2025 Championship Odds (DraftKings): 250-1

Outlook: After spending two successful years in the Xfinity Series, including winning the 2023 championship, “Stone Cold” Custer returns to Cup Series competition in familiar territory with the No. 41 Ford Mustang. His previous Cup experience includes one victory at Kentucky Speedway in 2020. Paired with rookie crew chief Aaron Kramer, who joins the team after serving as lead race engineer at RFK Racing, Custer will benefit from the organization’s concentrated focus on a single-car effort. The 26-year-old California native showed marked improvement during his Xfinity Series stint, and that momentum could translate well to his Cup return.

BOLD PREDICTION: Custer and the new Haas Factory Team will prove their doubters wrong by not only winning a race but advancing to the Round of 12 in the NASCAR Playoffs. With the team’s resources now focused on a single car, Custer will capitalize on his renewed confidence from recent Xfinity success to make a serious championship run.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity to return to Cup with Gene and continue building on our past success together,” said Custer. “Having the entire organization’s focus behind our program gives us a real shot at competing at the highest level.”