Sam Mayer reacts to Haas Ford switch after the Haas Factory Team made a surprise announcement that it will leave Ford and join Chevrolet as its manufacturer partner starting in 2026, a decision that caught even its own drivers off guard at World Wide Technology Raceway right before a major race. The sudden manufacturer change has set off intense discussion in the NASCAR community, as key figures like Mayer, Ford, and rival teams on the Xfinity Series assess what this move might mean for their future competition and the dynamic between brands.
Driver Sam Mayer Caught Off Guard by Haas Factory Team’s Move
The decision by Haas Factory Team to shift from Ford to Chevrolet stunned not only the team’s fans but also its drivers, especially Sam Mayer, who was not expecting such a dramatic change in the near future. In the fast-paced environment of NASCAR, unexpected decisions sometimes happen, but Mayer acknowledged that even within the racing world, this one came as a complete surprise. The news broke ahead of the NASCAR Xfinity Series race at World Wide Technology Raceway, instantly spreading through the paddock and creating widespread discussion about the future of the team.
Mayer shared his reaction during a media session at the raceway, openly admitting how recent and surprising the news was for him:
“Sam Mayer addressed Haas Factory Team’s announcement that they’re moving to Chevrolet in 2026, saying it ‘kind of fell in our lap’ the last 4-5 days. Mayer said he was taken aback by the move. Still, Mayer says Ford remains supportive of the team. ‘They said explicitly ‘We’re… pic.twitter.com/IOPb0sQysi’”
—Steven Taranto, Reporter
Mayer reiterated that the announcement arrived with almost no warning, further emphasizing the dramatic pace of change within the organization. In his own words during the press session,
“Everyone at Ford has been amazing to work with. Obviously, this announcement kind of fell in our lap the last like four or five days for myself, so I was definitely taken aback a little bit by it. It’s definitely an interesting choice of a Haas Factory driver.”
—Sam Mayer, Driver
Despite the looming departure from Ford, Mayer made it clear that he’s received strong backing from Ford throughout the season and that their ongoing partnership remains a central focus as the current year progresses.
“But yeah, everyone at Ford has been awesome to work with all year, and they said exclusively, like, ‘We’re going to make sure you win the championship at the end of the year.’ So I’m really looking forward to that.”
—Sam Mayer, Driver
Mayer explained his commitment to making the most of the remainder of the partnership, sharing,
“Obviously, we’re kind of the foundation of the Xfinity series for Ford. So they want to see the best for us, and I’m going to make sure that happens. We’re going to make sure to win the championship for Ford and go raise that championship. That’s the goal anyway. So really looking forward to it, but we got the rest of this year, and obviously next year is going to be exciting as well.”
—Sam Mayer, Driver
Potential Impact on NASCAR’s Competitive Landscape
This manufacturer switch is shaping up to be one of the most significant shifts in NASCAR’s recent history, impacting not only the Haas Factory Team but also the balance of power between major manufacturers in the Xfinity Series and higher NASCAR tiers. With Ford, Toyota, and Chevrolet continuously battling for dominance and key partnerships among top racing teams, this move by Haas adds another layer of intrigue to upcoming seasons.
The historical alignment between Haas and Ford has been a fixture of the Xfinity Series, and this upcoming alliance with Chevrolet signals the possibility of new rivalries and fresh strategic direction. As teams and fans alike process the change, questions loom regarding how other racing organizations, such as Toyota or rival Ford and Chevy teams, may respond in pursuit of competitive advantage.
While the timing of the announcement—days before a pivotal racing weekend—adds an extra layer of drama, Mayer remains focused on closing out the season strong with Ford’s support. The public backing from Ford as described by Mayer reflects the lasting partnerships and sense of loyalty present even as changes loom on the horizon.
For Sam Mayer and the Haas Factory Team, the immediate priority is to pursue the Xfinity Series championship while the future promises both uncertainty and excitement as they prepare to begin a new chapter with Chevrolet. The closing run for Ford and Haas as partners is now set to be followed closely throughout the rest of this season and next, as both the team and the NASCAR community await the full impact of this unexpected and significant decision.
