Cole Custer isn’t just known for his speed on the racetrack, he’s also got a knack for taking on new adventures outside the car. The California native has built a reputation as one of NASCAR’s most versatile talents, racking up wins across the Truck, Xfinity, and Cup Series, and even claiming the 2023 Xfinity Series championship. But when he’s not behind the wheel of his No. 41 Ford Mustang for the Haas Factory Team, Custer keeps his adrenaline high.

Whether it’s grilling, golfing, or spending time outdoors with his family. This week, he took that fearless attitude to new heights, literally. How? By rappelling ten stories down the side of a famous building in Charlotte for charity! But as Custer quickly discovered, even for a seasoned racer, stepping off the edge brings a different level of adrenaline rush.

Cole Custer faces his nerves for a cause

On May 8, 2025, the former NASCAR Xfinity Series champion joined the NASCAR Hall of Fame Foundation’s “Over the Edge” event. Cole Custer rappelled ten stories down the Embassy Suites Charlotte Uptown. The annual event raises funds to provide educational opportunities and scholarships for local youth, making every descent count for a bigger cause.

Talking about standing atop the building, Cole Custer described the moment with honesty. Custer told Dustin Long, “When you’re standing up there off the ledge, it was pretty nerve-racking because you don’t know what’s gonna happen when you sit back and finally see what happens.” Even for a driver used to 200 mph restarts, the first step into open air brought a new kind of adrenaline. “It was very in control, but you never know what the first step is going to be like,” he admitted.

This is also not the first time that NASCAR entities are taking part in this daring charitable event. Started in 2018, Over The Edge has seen drivers like Bubba Wallace, Ryan Blaney, and Matt DiBenedetto, and even then-NASCAR President Steve Phelps take part in the rappelling. Bubba Wallace said after the inaugural event, “I had a great day. Thanks to the Hall of Fame for throwing the invite out there. I jumped on it right away, and it ended up being an awesome time.” Since 2018, this yearly tradition has seen drivers like Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Ross Chastain also take part.

While this may seem like fighting with fire as the risk of injury is pretty high, Over the Edge events are known for their impeccable safety record. They have hosted more than 900 rappelling fundraisers worldwide without a single incident. Participants must raise at least $1,000 for the NASCAR Hall of Fame Foundation. The money helps bring students from pre-K through 12th grade into the Hall for hands-on learning experiences and STEM education. Every $20 donation can give a child a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore NASCAR’s legacy of innovation.

For Cole Custer, the experience was about more than just conquering nerves. It was a way to give back to the community and inspire the next generation of racing fans and innovators. His willingness to step “over the edge” off the track shows the same courage and commitment that’s made him a champion on it. With drivers like Custer leading the way, NASCAR continues to build bridges between the sport, its fans, and the communities it calls home.

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HFT #41 looks to build momentum on track after off-track feat

After conquering his nerves rappelling ten stories for charity, Cole Custer now shifts focus back to the NASCAR Cup Series. Here, he faces another kind of challenge: the 2025 race at Kansas Speedway. Custer’s return to full-time Cup racing with the No. 41 Haas Factory Team has been a story of grit and perseverance. But the results so far have been tough. He currently sits 34th in the Cup Series standings, with 127 points and no top-10 finishes yet this season.

Despite the slow start, Cole Custer is no stranger to rebounding at Kansas. In his previous Cup outings at the 1.5-mile oval, he’s shown flashes of promise. His best finish came in July 2020, when he brought home a solid 7th-place result. In the Xfinity Series, Custer has been even stronger. He has notably scored second place in the 2024 Kansas Lottery 300, which bodes well for his confidence heading into the weekend.

Kansas Speedway is known for its wide racing surface and multiple grooves, favoring drivers who can adapt to changing track conditions. Cole Custer’s ability to stay calm under pressure-whether dangling from a building or navigating a late-race restart-could prove valuable here. His experience as the 2023 Xfinity Series champion shows he has the talent to compete at this level, and a strong run at Kansas could be the spark his season needs.

As the green flag approaches, the question remains. Can Cole Custer turn his year around and recapture the form that made him a rising star? Kansas may just be the place where his persistence pays off.