Cole Custer's Talladega Triumph: A Career-Best 5th Place Finish
Talladega, AL (October 19, 2025) - The Haas Factory Team's (HFT) weekend at Talladega Superspeedway was a testament to Cole Custer's racing prowess. Custer, driving the No. 41 Ford Mustang, secured a career-best 5th-place finish in the Cup Series race on Sunday, showcasing his strategic fuel management and speed. Starting 12th, Custer and his team executed a patient strategy, riding in the second pack early on to conserve fuel. This approach paid off, as Custer methodically worked his way forward, benefiting from late-race cautions and a two-tire stop that positioned him for a top-10 challenge.
Custer's performance was a highlight of the season, with his fifth-place finish marking his second top-five result of 2025. He expressed his satisfaction, praising the team's speed and the support of Sysco and RaceTrac. However, he also acknowledged the desire to finish higher, setting his sights on Martinsville, where a win is now a must.
The Xfinity Series: Early Promise, Early Crash
Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer, both driving for the Haas Factory Team, faced an early setback in the Xfinity Series race on Saturday. Creed, in the No. 00 Road Ranger Ford, showed early speed, charging into the top five by lap five. However, a multi-car crash in the tri-oval on lap 15 cut short his promising run, resulting in a 34th-place finish. Mayer, in the No. 41 Audibel Ford, also suffered an early end due to a crash on lap 15, finishing 38th.
The Road to Martinsville: A Must-Win Scenario
With the Xfinity Series playoffs at Martinsville approaching, both Creed and Mayer find themselves in challenging positions. Creed, in eighth place with 3032 points, is just 41 points below the cutline, making the final race a must-win scenario. Mayer, in seventh place with 3051 points, is 22 points below the cutline, adding pressure to the final showdown.
The Next Steps: Martinsville Speedway
The NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Martinsville Speedway is set for Saturday, October 25th, at 7:30 p.m. ET on the CW Network. The Cup Series race follows on Sunday, October 26th, at 2:00 p.m. ET on NBC, with Custer and the Haas Factory Team aiming to build on their Talladega success and secure their playoff positions.
