Cole Custer‘s 2026 Chevrolet debut has sparked conversation across the NASCAR community, following the Haas Factory Team‘s public reveal of the No. 41 Chevrolet and its striking new livery. The car, which marks the team’s official shift from Ford to Chevrolet for the upcoming NASCAR Cup Series, was introduced on social media, instantly drawing attention and mixed reactions among devoted fans.
Haas Factory Team Launches New Era with Chevrolet
The introduction of Cole Custer’s No. 41 Chevrolet for 2026 marks a pivotal moment for the Haas Factory Team, representing both a visual and strategic shift after years of competing under Ford. The bright red-and-silver HaasTooling.com paint scheme was unveiled ahead of the team’s technical partnership with Hendrick Motorsports, making the manufacturer transition official. The relationship with Chevrolet, confirmed last season, ends a significant era of nearly a decade with Ford, a move that signifies the organization’s renewed drive for competitive gains.
The car, powered by Hendrick-built engines and supported by a full technical partnership, establishes a connection between Gene Haas’ operation and Hendrick Motorsports, one of NASCAR’s most distinguished organizations. According to the team’s post on X:
“The No. 41 HaasTooling.com Chevrolet has a new look for 2026. 🧰 Our friends at @Haas_Automation will serve as a primary partner for select races this season. #NASCAR | @TeamChevy | @ColeCuster.”
Reactions poured in from the fan base soon after images were released, capturing a sense of nostalgia, surprise, and uncertainty as supporters adapted to seeing the No. 41 with a Chevrolet bowtie instead of Ford’s iconic Blue Oval.
Fans React to the Big Change
Many long-time supporters of the Haas Factory Team expressed strong emotions about the switch. The car’s new appearance evoked a mix of excitement and disorientation. Several fans noted the dramatic difference, with one remarking:
“Still gonna think it’s a Ford.”
For other fans, the adjustment felt even more unusual:
“I love it, but it’s weird lol… I’m so used to Ford.”
One candid reaction summed up the unfamiliarity of the situation:
“Now that’s gonna take some getting used to 😆 #Bowtie”
Reflecting on the team’s roots and history with Chevrolet, a nostalgic fan commented:
“Chevy Haas, just like the old days.”
These responses showcase how closely the Haas Factory Team has been identified with Ford throughout the Stewart-Haas Racing years, adding extra weight to the new identity the organization is forging as a Chevrolet partner. The transition is especially notable for fans who have closely followed Cole Custer’s career in the Cup Series, where the team and driver both spent much of the previous decade representing the Ford brand.
The public’s first chance to see the car in action comes as NASCAR’s updated 750-horsepower rules package is tested at North Wilkesboro Speedway, offering a glimpse of how the new technical alliance and manufacturer change will perform on track.
Inside the Hendrick-Haas Technical Alliance
Beyond the aesthetics, the new Chevrolet livery underscores a deepening partnership. After enduring a difficult 2025 season in which Cole Custer finished 32nd in the Cup Series standings, the Haas Factory Team is looking to reset with the help of Hendrick Motorsports’ technical support. This alliance is seen as a crucial opportunity for Gene Haas’ organization to regain its footing and reestablish itself as a competitive force.
Rick Hendrick shared his enthusiasm for renewing collaboration with Gene Haas and his team:
“We have a long history with Gene and his organization, including winning championships together, so this feels almost like a homecoming,” the Hendrick Motorsports owner said. “Our relationship started many years ago with Haas CNC machines in our facilities, and I’ve always admired the passion that he and Joe Custer have for the sport and their desire to win. We’re proud to support Haas Factory Team and thrilled to work together to deliver more victories for Chevrolet.” — Rick Hendrick, Hendrick Motorsports Owner
Gene Haas continues to acknowledge the foundational role Hendrick played in his team’s earlier days with Chevrolet, and now with engineering expertise, shared data, and power from Hendrick, Cole Custer and crew chief Aaron Kramer are targeting improved results. Sam Mayer and Sheldon Creed will also benefit from the switch, as they take on the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races with Hendrick-powered Chevrolets as part of Haas’ wider technical expansion.
What the Manufacturer Shift Means for NASCAR and Haas Factory Team
The decision to move to Chevrolet and align with Hendrick Motorsports could mark a major turning point for the Haas Factory Team’s fortunes in the NASCAR Cup Series. For the organization, the partnership signals a hunger for renewed success—especially following its challenging 2025 campaign. Industry figures and fans will closely watch to see whether the new technical alliance and manufacturer change can restore Cole Custer and the team to their past competitive strength. As the No. 41 Chevrolet takes to the track, the coming season will provide the first real measure of how transformative this bold switch may prove to be for both driver and organization.
The No. 41 https://t.co/fKx0qUo6zM Chevrolet has a new look for 2026. 🧰
Our friends at @Haas_Automation will serve as a primary partner for select races this season. #NASCAR | @TeamChevy | @ColeCuster pic.twitter.com/FvdYmsy5tw
— Haas Factory Team (@HaasFactoryTeam) January 13, 2026
