In a shocking announcement, veteran NASCAR and Formula 1 team owner Gene Haas revealed that he will not be leaving the motorsports world anytime soon. Despite the closure of Stewart-Haas Racing at the end of the 2024 season, Haas is set to continue his NASCAR presence with the formation of Haas Factory Team in 2025. This new team will retain one of SHR’s four Cup Series charters and will also field two Xfinity Series cars, although details about drivers, sponsors, and the manufacturer have not yet been disclosed.
Haas explained the reasoning behind his decision, stating that while his commitment to motorsports remains unwavering, the scale of his involvement needed to change. Operating a four-car Cup Series team has become too challenging, but Haas still sees the need for a platform to promote his businesses, Haas Automation and HaasTooling.com. By transitioning to a smaller operation, Haas believes he can better focus on achieving his goals while maintaining a presence in the competitive NASCAR landscape.
Joe Custer, who currently serves as the president of Stewart-Haas Racing, will also make the move to the new Haas Factory Team in the same role. Haas emphasized the importance of competing at NASCAR’s highest level for the continued success of Haas Automation and its relationship with customers and distributors. Additionally, the Xfinity Series program will provide a full weekend experience for guests and contribute to the overall depth and scale of the operation, ensuring that Haas’s motorsports ventures remain impactful and engaging.
The new team will be based out of the current Stewart-Haas Racing shop, providing a seamless transition for employees and resources from the existing operation. Following SHR’s closure announcement in May, Front Row Motorsports has already purchased one of the team’s charters, leaving two more charters available for sale. It is speculated that 23XI Racing and Trackhouse Racing are the most likely candidates to acquire these remaining charters, further reshaping the NASCAR landscape for the 2025 season and beyond.
Overall, Haas’s decision to continue his involvement in NASCAR through Haas Factory Team signals a strategic shift in focus for the veteran team owner. By adapting to the changing demands of the industry and finding a balance between promoting his businesses and fielding competitive race teams, Haas aims to ensure the long-term success and sustainability of his motorsports ventures. With the support of key stakeholders and industry partners, Haas is poised to make a lasting impact on NASCAR and further solidify his legacy in the world of motorsports.
