By Matt Courson, Staff Writer
HOMESTEAD, Fla. — Stewart-Haas Racing confirmed Friday morning that Cole Custer will replace Daniel Suarez in the No. 41 Ford for the 2020 Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series season.
“This is the moment I’ve worked for ever since I first started racing,” said Custer, who began racing quarter midgets at age five. “I’ve learned a lot in these last three years in the Xfinity Series, and to be able to stay within Stewart-Haas Racing will make a steep learning curve a little less steep. I know the people, the culture and what’s expected of me. I’m ready for this challenge.”
Gene Haas, co-owner of Stewart-Haas Racing, said that he was approached last year and was asked what Custer would have to do to compete in the Cup Series.
“I said he needed to win,” said Haas. “Well, Cole has done that – a lot. He showed that he’s ready to compete at the next level and we’re giving him that opportunity.”
Custer has scored a career high seven wins this season along with 23 top-10 finishes. Before this season, Custer only had two victories. He was runner-up in the 2018 Championship standings.
Custer, who is apart of the Xfinity Series “Big Three” will continue to compete alongside Christopher Bell and Tyler Reddick who were all also promoted within their respective organizations.