Haas Factory Team has kicked off Charlotte Motor Speedway weekend by dropping some contract news about Cole Custer.
Videos by FanBuzz
According to a Friday announcement, Custer will return to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2027. He will drive the No. 41 for the third consecutive season.
This provided another important answer about the NASCAR puzzle pieces and ensured that Haas Factory Team would not try to woo 2012 Cup Series champion Brad Keselowski, who will part ways with RFK Racing after the season.
"We are excited to have Cole Custer back in the 41 Haas Factory Team Chevrolet for 2027," team owner Gene Haas said in a statement on social media.
"Cole is a championship-caliber driver who brings the consistency we need on a weekly basis and we are proud to continue to support him in the NASCAR Cup Series."
A native of Ladera Ranch, California, Custer has spent nearly five full seasons competing in the NASCAR Cup Series. He spent three seasons (2020-22) driving for Stewart-Haas Racing, where he won a race at Kentucky Speedway.
Custer has spent 2025 and 2026 driving full-time at NASCAR's top level for Haas Factory Team, which rose from the ashes of SHR after co-owner Tony Stewart exited the sport.
The California native has posted four top-10 finishes and two top-fives while driving for two different manufacturers. He drove the No. 41 Ford Mustang last season and then the No. 41 Chevrolet Camaro after Haas Factory Team inked an alliance with Hendrick Motorsports.
Along with the time in the Cup Series, Custer has spent five full seasons in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series (2017-19, 2023-24) while winning a championship in 2023. He has made 42 starts in the Craftsman Truck Series while winning twice.
With Custer signing his deal, the majority of teams have confirmed their plans for the 2027 season. Some minor questions remain around 23XI Racing, Team Penske, Spire Motorsports, and Kaulig Racing.
23XI Racing confirmed already that Corey Heim will race full-time while Tyler Reddick will return after signing an extension. Bubba Wallace is reportedly set to return on an option year, but the team hasn't provided full confirmation.
Team Penske has already confirmed Joey Logano and Ryan Blaney will return. Both are under contract, and Blaney signed an extension this season. Austin Cindric won't publicly discuss his contract, but he has repeatedly indicated he will be back in 2027.
Kaulig Racing has stated that it loves Ty Dillon, the current driver of the No. 10 Chevrolet. Yet, his future remains uncertain as a possibility remains that Dodge makes a return to the series in 2027.
Spire Motorsports has Carson Hocevar under contract beyond 2030. Daniel Suarez reportedly has an option to return in 2027. Michael McDowell is not yet officially confirmed for 2027, but Spire Motorsports also does not have a driver who will step in to take this seat.
The biggest question is RFK Racing. The team announced its intention to continue racing as a three-car team next season, but no one yet knows who will replace Keselowski in the No. 6 Ford. This search is ongoing.
