Cole Custer, reflecting on his NASCAR season evaluation, appeared this week on the
“Bringing the Heat with Trey Lyle”
podcast, hosted by Trey Lyle and featuring Frontstretch‘s Michael Massie. The discussion highlighted Custer’s performance throughout Haas’ first year in the series, exploring both the moments of promise and the ongoing challenges as the season unfolds.
Custer shared a personal memory after Connor Zilisch suffered an injury in victory lane, recalling his own near-fall incident at Kentucky Speedway. He spoke candidly about the mix of highs and lows, from his pursuit of the checkered flag at the Daytona 500 to the continuous week-to-week effort required to secure strong results.
NASCAR Announces Big Changes to Series and Schedule
The podcast also covered recent major announcements shaping the sport’s landscape. Caleb Barnes joined Trey Lyle to break down the news that NASCAR’s secondary series will be rebranded as the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series starting in 2026, officially retiring the Xfinity name that has been a staple for years.
Barnes and Lyle analyzed the upcoming 2026 schedule, sharing mixed feelings about certain decisions. Some of the most celebrated updates include the return of Chicagoland Speedway and North Wilkesboro Speedway to the Cup calendar, as well as the addition of a NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series race at the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, which is generating particular excitement among fans and commentators.
Mixed Reactions to Race Venues and Changes
Despite the positive buzz around several track returns, disappointment lingers for some decisions. The pairing of Dover Motor Speedway as an All-Star Race site and the O’Reilly series schedule closely matching the NASCAR Cup Series have drawn criticism for lacking variety. The hosts debated which changes might better engage both longtime fans and new viewers as the series evolves.
Drivers Face Pressure as Playoff Hopes Dwindle
Within the intense race season, the pressure to perform is mounting. Sheldon Creed, in his first season with Haas, is reportedly feeling the urgency to notch a win and secure a playoff spot. In another dramatic moment, Tyler Reddick became the subject of debate after contact from Daniel Suarez forced the No. 45 car, piloted by Ty Gibbs, out of contention at Richmond Raceway. Barnes and Lyle discussed whether this incident could ultimately keep Reddick from advancing to the playoffs.
Ratings and Fan Perspectives on Recent Races
Barnes addressed concerns about subpar television ratings from the Saturday night race at Richmond, voicing hopes that these numbers will not lead to a reduction in Saturday night racing opportunities going forward. Lyle, on the other hand, expressed his satisfaction with the competitive quality of the Richmond event, noting its special importance as his home track in Virginia.
Looking Ahead for Cole Custer and NASCAR
Cole Custer’s reflection demonstrates the challenging road faced by both drivers and teams in a season marked by significant shifts. With new sponsor partnerships, venue changes, and evolving playoff battles, the stakes for racers like Custer and teams such as Haas remain high. As the season continues, fans and insiders alike will watch closely to see how these developments shape not only individual careers, such as Custer’s, but also the broader future of NASCAR’s competitive landscape.
