Cole Custer Bio
Early Life and Background
Cole Matthew Custer was born on January 23, 1998, in Ladera Ranch, California, USA. He began his racing career at a young age, starting with quarter midget racing when he was just four years old. Custer attended Tesoro High School, where he continued to develop his skills in motorsports and gained recognition for his talent.
Path to NASCAR
Custer’s journey in racing began with significant achievements in various series. In 2011, he won the USAC National Focus Young Guns Championship, and the following year, he transitioned to late models, winning ten races and earning Rookie of the Year honors. His success in the K&N Pro Series East further established him as a rising star, where he made history by becoming the youngest race winner in the series at just 15 years old.
Cole Custer Career
Early Career (2014–2016)
Custer made his debut in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2014, driving for Haas Racing Development. He quickly made headlines by winning the UNOH 175 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, becoming the youngest winner in NASCAR’s national touring series history. Over the next two years, he continued to develop his skills and competed full-time in the Truck Series, where he achieved multiple top finishes.
NASCAR Xfinity Series Breakthrough (2017–2019)
In 2017, Custer transitioned to the NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the No. 00 Ford Mustang for Stewart-Haas Racing. He quickly made an impact, finishing fourth in his debut season and securing his first win at Homestead-Miami Speedway in 2018. Custer continued to excel, winning multiple races in 2019 and finishing second in the championship standings, solidifying his reputation as a top contender in the series.
NASCAR Cup Series Era (2020–2022)
Custer made his NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2020, driving the No. 41 Ford for Stewart-Haas Racing. He achieved a significant milestone by winning the Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway, becoming the first rookie to win in the Cup Series since 2016. Despite a challenging second season, he was awarded the Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors in 2020. Custer faced ups and downs in the following years, including a return to the Xfinity Series in 2021 and 2022, where he continued to showcase his talent.
Haas Factory Team Era (2023–Present)
In 2023, Custer returned to the Xfinity Series, driving the No. 00 for Stewart-Haas Racing. He had a successful season, winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship and demonstrating his capabilities as a top driver. Custer’s performance included multiple wins and consistent finishes, culminating in a championship victory at Phoenix Raceway in November 2023. He is set to return to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2025 with the Haas Factory Team, where he aims to build on his previous successes.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Custer is known for his aggressive driving style and strategic approach to racing. His ability to adapt to different track conditions and his strong communication with his team have contributed to his success across various series.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Custer’s notable achievements include being the youngest NASCAR Truck Series winner, winning the NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year award in 2020, and capturing the NASCAR Xfinity Series Championship in 2023. His career is marked by significant wins and competitive performances across multiple NASCAR series.
Cole Custer Career Wins
Custer has achieved notable success across various NASCAR series, accumulating a total of 15 wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series and 2 wins in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series. His victories have established him as a formidable competitor in the world of stock car racing.
Current NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
Custer’s Cup Series career includes one win, with his first victory coming at the Quaker State 400 in 2020. He has consistently shown potential, with a best finish of 16th in the standings during his rookie season.
Previous NASCAR Xfinity Series Achievements
In the NASCAR Xfinity Series, Custer has secured 15 wins, including his championship-winning season in 2023. His ability to perform under pressure and secure victories has made him a standout driver in the series.
Cole Custer Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Cole Custer is the son of Joe Custer, the team president of Haas Factory Team. His family’s involvement in motorsports has played a significant role in his career development.
Personal Life
Custer is married to Kari Custer, and they welcomed their first child in July 2024. His family life remains private, but he often expresses gratitude for their support throughout his racing career.
2025 Season Performance
As Custer prepares for the 2025 season, he aims to make a strong impact in the NASCAR Cup Series with the Haas Factory Team. After a challenging previous season, he is focused on improving his performance and achieving consistent results. His experience and recent successes in the Xfinity Series will be crucial as he transitions back to the Cup Series, where he hopes to secure more top finishes and contend for victories.
