Cole Custer is set to make his eagerly anticipated NASCAR 2026 return with SS-GreenLight Racing, competing in five races during the newly named O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Custer, a former series champion, reunites with the team that celebrated a memorable victory together at Auto Club Speedway in 2022, aiming to build on their shared history of success.
Details Surrounding the Racing Collaboration
SS-GreenLight Racing, founded by Bobby Dotter in 2001, has spent over twenty years relentlessly competing at the national level. The team’s record includes one win at Auto Club Speedway in 2022—an achievement powered by Custer’s driving prowess. Over his accomplished career in the series, Custer has accumulated 15 wins, 21 pole positions, 119 top-ten finishes, and claimed the series championship in 2023, highlighting his capabilities as a front-running contender.
The team’s recent commitments reflect their ambition for the future. Bobby Dotter commented on Custer’s return, stating,
“Having Cole back in our car is an honor, we’ve been lucky to share success and we hope to have more this season.”
— Bobby Dotter, Team Owner. Dotter also highlighted upcoming improvements:
“We are stepping up our program this year with lease motors and new personnel and Cole will be a big part of that effort.”
— Bobby Dotter, Team Owner.
Custer himself expressed appreciation for the renewed partnership and outlined his competitive outlook, saying,
“I’m thankful for the opportunity to return to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and compete with SS GreenLight Racing and Chevrolet. I’m really looking forward to working with Bobby and the entire team over these five races. Our goal is to have strong runs every time we unload and put ourselves in position to race for wins and get to Victory Lane.”
— Cole Custer, Driver.
Changes to the NASCAR Series and What Lies Ahead
The 2026 season introduces not only a new chapter for Cole Custer and SS-GreenLight Racing but also a broader transformation for the sport. This will be the first year the second-tier NASCAR series operates under its new title, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, following the departure of longtime naming partner Xfinity. The renamed series brings fresh energy and focus as teams and drivers prepare for another year of intense competition.
Custer’s return, combined with team owner Bobby Dotter’s commitment to upgrades in personnel and equipment, signals a bold strategy for SS-GreenLight Racing. As the season approaches, anticipation is growing for strong performances by Custer, who aims to once again drive the organization to victory lane and solidify his legacy as a top competitor in the series.
