The NASCAR landscape was significantly altered when the iconic partnership between Tony Stewart and Gene Haas came to an abrupt end. The legacy that Stewart-Haas Racing (SHR) had built over 16 years, marked by 70 race victories and two championships, was suddenly halted. The shuttering of SHR was a shock to many, and its newly formed spin-off, the Haas Factory Team, has yet to live up to the high standards set by its predecessor.
Tony Stewart’s departure from the ownership ranks was not entirely unexpected. Indications had been piling up, as the team faced challenges ranging from sponsorship issues to disappointing race results. However, the aftermath of Stewart’s exit, particularly its impact on Gene Haas, was perhaps more severe than anticipated.
The Haas Factory Team, established by Gene Haas in 2025, is a stark contrast to the legacy left behind by Tony Stewart. Despite operating a two-car NASCAR Xfinity Series team and retaining a single Cup charter, the new team has struggled to make its mark. This is evident even with the inclusion of Cole Custer, the 2023 Xfinity Series champion, who has yet to replicate his previous success at the premier level.
Custer’s performance in the Cup Series has been underwhelming, to say the least. His best run at the Daytona was marred by a crash, relegating him to a disappointing 21st place finish. NASCAR analyst Eric Estepp’s review of Custer’s performance paints a bleak picture. Estepp observes, “Cole Custer – 35th in points with the newly rebranded Haas Factory Team. He qualifies 25th and runs 25th every single week.”
Indeed, the absence of Tony Stewart seems to have left a gaping void at the Haas Factory Team. The team’s lackluster performance is in stark contrast to Stewart’s early achievements with SHR, which included a victory at the 2009 Pocono race and a Cup Series Championship in 2011.
The new team’s struggles were evident during the recent Las Vegas race, where despite a promising start, Custer’s performance was hindered by car handling issues, resulting in a 26th place finish.
Despite these challenges, sponsors are still rallying behind Custer. Interestingly, one of these sponsors, Autodesk, had been a key benefactor during Tony Stewart’s tenure. The software company recently announced a major partnership with the Haas Factory Team for the 2025 season, where it will serve as the primary sponsor for Custer’s No. 41 Ford Mustang for two Cup Series races.
The relationship between Custer and Autodesk harks back to Tony Stewart’s time in the sport, with the design company sponsoring Stewart’s cars from 2020 to 2022. Custer even clinched a Cup Series win during a season when Autodesk was a sponsor.
Custer’s past glory now seems a distant memory, as the Haas Factory Team continues to grapple with its new reality. However, the hope remains that with strategic adjustments and continued support from sponsors, the team can improve its performance and live up to the legacy of its predecessor, Stewart-Haas Racing.