Haas Factory Team Turns Page on Tony Stewart Era With Bold Rick Hendrick–Chevrolet Move

Gene Haas’ NASCAR program entered a transition in 2025 after Stewart-Haas Racing shut down in 2024. The team, which Haas co-owned with Tony Stewart from 2009 to 2024 and won multiple championships with, closed its doors after underwhelming performances and financial struggles with sponsor losses. But since Haas launched the Haas Factory Team this year, the team has still struggled, raising concerns that it could face the same fate as SHR if they don’t do something about its challenges. And to tackle this, they have now taken a bold step, which not only aims to secure their future but also marks a decisive break from Tony Stewart’s legacy.

On Friday, Haas Factory Team confirmed it will move to Chevrolet starting in 2026. This move will be to form a full technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports. This includes access to Hendrick-built engines across its Cup and Xfinity entries. Gene Haas described the move as deeply personal. “I have a long history with Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports. Both helped in establishing not only my presence as a team owner in NASCAR but also the presence of Haas Automation.” HMS owner Rick Hendrick echoed the sentiment, calling it “almost like a homecoming.”

This move marks a definitive close to the Tony Stewart era. By stepping away from Ford and realigning its future under a fresh identity, Gene Haas is steering the organization in a new direction, no longer tied to Stewart’s legacy but instead focused on rebuilding with new partnerships and a renewed vision.

Team president Joe Custer added, “Ford was an excellent partner in helping us establish Haas Factory Team, and we are committed to running with them through the end of the 2025 season. Looking ahead, aligning with Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports provides us the best path forward to build a strong and competitive program.” His comments highlight how this shift is as much about survival as it is about legacy.

Custer also acknowledged the challenges of running a single-car Cup team. “We’re excited about a single car platform. But we’ve got to get it right,” he said. He pointed to Daytona as a highlight but stressed the need for stronger preparation, data, and engineering ties. “Smaller teams have the potential. They just have to look at it differently. And that’s what we are doing.” He added that Gene Haas remains patient but demanding. “We’re not here to do the same thing next year without addressing these clear issues. He won’t tolerate not improving, and not having a trajectory that can get to winning.” For Custer, the move to Chevrolet represents not only a technical step forward but also a cultural reset aimed at turning potential into sustained results.

The HMS Chevy shift will debut at the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1, 2026. It will feature Cole Custer driving the No. 41 Chevrolet. Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer will follow in the season-opening O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (Xfinity currently) race at Daytona on February 14. The driver lineup remains unchanged, giving HFT continuity as it adapts to new equipment. With Hendrick’s resources and Chevrolet’s backing, the team positions itself for a competitive reset.

But before that, Haas faces one more challenge. And that is preparing for Gateway with Ford, in what could be a telling preview of how the team closes its current chapter.

Haas prepares for Gateway with Ford ahead of Chevy switch

Haas Factory Team heads into this crucial weekend at World Wide Technology Raceway (Gateway) with a sense of urgency and finality. Cole Custer enters the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs penultimate round at Gateway in 33rd place in the standings. He has postseason hopes on the line as the team runs its final races with Ford before transitioning to Chevrolet.

In the Xfinity Series, Sam Mayer has secured a playoff spot, while Sheldon Creed must win this weekend’s regular-season finale to solidify his entry. However, a repeat winner might help him gain entry on points, sharing the same stance as Taylor Gray.

Gateway’s tight, 1.25-mile layout offers little margin for error. Haas Factory Team must show strong execution on both sides of the garage. Custer, piloting the No. 41 Ford Mustang, aims to carry a consistent pace into the postseason after a strong Daytona finish before the playoffs finishing 4th. Meanwhile, Mayer brings high motivation following his first Xfinity Series win at Iowa in early August, while Creed continues to seek his first win.

Their performances this weekend matter beyond just points. For Custer, a solid Gateway run could help define the narrative of HFT’s final Ford season. Whatever happens, this weekend’s results could set the tone for what promises to be a defining shift in Haas Factory Team’s trajectory. With playoff lives and reputations at stake, all eyes will be on HFT as it navigates a track where sharp execution could bridge the gap to renewed competitiveness.