Haas Factory Team is set to undergo a major shift in 2026, announcing today that it will align with Chevrolet for its full-time NASCAR Cup Series program and two full-time entries in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, which will be renamed the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

As part of the move, Haas Factory Team will form a technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports, utilizing Hendrick-built engines across both series. The announcement marks the end of the team’s current partnership with Ford.

“First and foremost, we want to thank Ford for its partnership,” said Joe Custer, president of Haas Factory Team. “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.”

The manufacturer switch to Chevrolet represents more than just a technical move—it’s a return to Haas’ roots. Gene Haas first launched Haas CNC Racing in 2002, fielding Chevrolets. When he joined forces with Tony Stewart in 2009 to create Stewart-Haas Racing, the team continued to run Chevrolets until 2016.

“Personally, I have a long 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.”

Rick Hendrick echoed those sentiments, pointing to the longstanding connection between his organization and Haas.

“We have a long history with Gene and his organization, including winning championships together, so this feels almost like a homecoming,” Hendrick said. “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.”

Haas Factory Team’s 2026 campaign will feature a familiar driver lineup. Cole Custer will continue piloting the No. 41 entry in the Cup Series, while Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer will return to the Nos. 00 and 41 entries in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.

The team will make its official return to Chevrolet colors on February 1, 2026, at the Cook Out Clash exhibition race at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Custer will drive the No. 41 Chevrolet in the non-points Cup Series event. Creed and Mayer will officially kick off the season in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series opener at Daytona International Speedway on February 14, 2026.

With the move, Haas Factory Team reunites with its Chevrolet heritage and strengthens its future with Hendrick Motorsports backing. The switch signals not only a return to familiar territory but also a commitment to building toward greater success in NASCAR’s next era.

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