Cole Custer to Return to Stewart-Haas Racing’s NASCAR Xfinity Series Team for 2024 Season, Eliminating Potential Replacement for Aric Almirola
In an announcement this week, Cole Custer revealed that he will return to Stewart-Haas Racing’s NASCAR Xfinity Series team for the upcoming 2024 season.
Custer had previously competed for the team in the NASCAR Xfinity Series from 2017 to 2019 before being promoted to the Cup Series in 2020. However, due to subpar performance, Custer was demoted back to the Xfinity Series in 2023. Ryan Preece took over the No. 41 Ford in the Cup Series.
Rumors circulated that Custer might replace Aric Almirola in the Cup Series for the 2024 season, as Almirola confirmed he would not continue with Stewart-Haas Racing. However, Custer’s return to the Xfinity Series now eliminates that possibility.
With Cole Custer’s NASCAR Xfinity Series return confirmed, the speculation ends.
Both current Stewart-Haas Racing Xfinity Series drivers, Custer and Riley Herbst, have now confirmed their return to the team in 2024, removing them from consideration as replacements for Almirola in the No. 10 Ford.
Noah Gragson is widely regarded as the frontrunner to replace Almirola. Gragson struggled in his rookie season with Legacy Motor Club and was released by the team after only two top 20 finishes in 21 starts.
Gragson’s release came after he “liked” an inappropriate social media meme and received a suspension. However, rumors suggested he would have been replaced regardless.
Regardless of whether Gragson joins Stewart-Haas Racing, the team will enter the 2024 season with Chase Briscoe as their longest-serving driver. Briscoe took over from Clint Bowyer in 2021. Preece is wrapping up his first season with the team, while Josh Berry, who has limited Cup Series experience as a substitute driver, has been confirmed as the full-time replacement for the retiring Kevin Harvick.
Stewart-Haas Racing is still searching for their first win since August 2022 and is on the verge of their first winless season since 2008, one year before their inaugural Cup Series victory.
Olivia Carter revs up excitement in the world of NASCAR. As a dedicated motorsports enthusiast, she covers race results, driver profiles, and the latest developments in the NASCAR world, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
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