Tony Stewart Strategic Move: In 2020, Cole Custer earned a full-time ride in the Cup series with Stewart-Haas Racing, hoping to capitalize on the opportunity. With nine Xfinity wins in 100 starts and two consecutive runner-up finishes in the championship standings, the expectations were high. However, after a single win in three Cup seasons, SHR decided to move Custer back down to Xfinity in 2023.
While this move might dent a driver’s ego, Custer embraced the challenge, leading to a remarkable career resurgence. Securing three victories, including the season finale, he clinched his first NASCAR championship. Interestingly, Custer and his Xfinity teammate Riley Herbst were the only SHR drivers to win races this season, making it a challenging year for the organization’s Cup teams.
Team co-owner Tony Stewart defended the decision to move Custer down, praising his resilience and character-building journey. Stewart sees Custer’s progress as a calculated move to boost confidence and leadership, believing it sets the stage for his return to NASCAR’s elite division.
Despite the initial setback, 25-year-old Custer acknowledges the competitiveness at the Cup level and the challenges he faced. Expressing gratitude for the support, he emphasized the learning process and continuous improvement throughout the season, crediting his crew chief Jonathan Toney for their collaborative efforts.
While Custer didn’t replicate his seven-win Xfinity season in 2019, his on-track development, along with personal growth and leadership skills, became the highlight of SHR’s season. Leading a new group and transforming it into a championship team, Custer takes pride in his role as a leader within the team.
Looking ahead, Stewart is confident in Custer’s future, anticipating his return to the Cup series. Recognizing Custer’s dedication and leadership at the shop, Stewart believes that Custer is on the right path to reclaiming a spot in NASCAR’s premier division.
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Our Reader’s Queries
What is Tony Stewart’s net worth 2023?
Tony Stewart, a prominent name in American racing, has had an impressive career filled with notable achievements. His net worth of $105 million in 2023 is a testament to his success as a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and co-owner of the esteemed Stewart-Haas Racing team.
What race track did Tony Stewart buy?
Eldora Speedway, situated in Rossburg, Ohio, is a renowned half-mile dirt racing track. The ‘Big E’ is under the ownership of Tony Stewart, a three-time NASCAR Champion hailing from Indiana. In 2004, Stewart acquired Eldora from the iconic promoter, Earl Baltes.
Who bought Stewart-Haas Racing?
Stewart-Haas Racing, the NASCAR team that has clinched multiple titles, is co-owned by Tony Stewart, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion, and Gene Haas, the founder of Haas Automation, the biggest CNC machine tool manufacturer in North America.
What car did Tony Stewart drive?
Stewart gained notoriety for his fiery temper and biting wit when dealing with the press. He retired from full-time competition in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2016, after driving the No. 14 Chevrolet SS for his own team, Stewart-Haas Racing, with Mike Bugarewicz as his crew chief.
