5 drivers who could drive for Gene Haas’ new team feat. Noah Gragson

Recently, Stewart-Haas Racing announced shutting down their operations from the 2025 season onwards, leaving Noah Gragson, Chase Briscoe, and other drivers on their roster without a seat for the next season. However, co-owner Gene Haas shared an update, highlighting his intent to stay in the sport by fielding one Cup Series car from his co-owned team and two Xfinity rides under the Haas Factory Team name.

With the team's dissolution, the four charters owned by the North Carolina-based outfit were ready for a trade as the current season concluded. But the recent development from Gene Haas will mean that one charter will remain with his one-car-Cup-team. Thus, several drivers, including Noah Gragson, are at high odds of securing a deal with Haas. Let's take a look at five of the favorable drivers.

#1. Cole Custer

Cole Custer (Image: Getty)

Custer joined forces with Stewart-Haas Racing from 2017 onwards, fielding the #00 Ford Mustang full-time. In his rookie year, the Californian stood fifth in the Xfinity Series standings.

Furthermore, he claimed two consecutive runner-up standings in the 2018 and 2019 seasons and was the defending champion last year. Though he couldn't find a strong Cup Series footing, his NXS dominance could help him retain his seat under the Haas Factory Team Banner.

#2. Chase Briscoe

Chase Briscoe, teammate of Cup Series driver Noah Gragson (Image: Getty)

The 29-year-old joined hands with SHR in 2018 for fielding the #98 Ford on a part-time basis in the Xfinity Series. His remarkable runs in the series got him promoted to Cup level and he replaced Clint Bowyer to fill in the #14 Ford. The next year witnessed Chase Briscoe clinch his maiden Cup triumph after sealing the 2022 Ruoff Mortgage 500 win at the Phoenix Raceway.

With a solitary top-5 and five top-10s, the Indiana native is currently the highest-placed SHR driver on the 17th place and can mark his return to Gene Haas' garage.

#3. Noah Gragson

Noah Gragson (Image:Getty)

Noah Gragson entered his rookie Cup Series year driving for Legacy Motor Club but was suspended mid-season after he violated Section 4.4.D. of the NASCAR Rule Book. However, after the suspension was lifted, Stewart-Haas Racing signed him for the 2023 season.

Though the Nevada native is experiencing his first year with the team, he has claimed one top-5 and five top-10s, the same as Briscoe who has way more Cup Series experience.

Moreover, Noah Gragson couldn't complete his rookie season due to the violation and his quick progression with SHR can serve as a strong base for his future with Gene Haas.

#4. Josh Berry

Josh Berry (Image: Getty)

Before stepping foot in SHR's garage, Josh Berry had already collected five Xfinity Series wins. He replaced Kevin Harvick and is currently in his rookie Cup Series season. From 17 races so far, he has recorded one top 5 and three top-10s which portrays his ability to gel quickly with the NextGen car.

Moreover, Berry's crew chief, Rodney Childers, who helped Harvick seal the 2014 Cup Series championship, is willing to stay with him irrespective of the garage he signs with. Thus, it could be an added advantage for Haas as it could help his only Cup car reach its full potential.

#5. Austin Cindric

Austin Cindric (Image: Getty)

The Team Penske driver signed a contract extension last year. But the length is unknown and until a new development arises, Austin Cindric is likely to be a free agent next season. Recently, the #2 Ford driver ended his 85-race winless streak by sealing the recently wrapped race at the World Wide Technology Raceway.

The 2020 Xfinity Series champion is running in his fourth Cup Series season and has bagged two top-5 and two top-10s. Having served for a big organization like Team Penske and getting an extension might prove beneficial for Cindric if he eyes to driver Gene Haas' car.