Gene Haas' HFT driver lineup announcement quashes Hailie Deegan return rumors

The Gene Haas-owned Haas Factory Team announced its Xfinity driver lineup for 2025, overhauling its current lineup and welcoming Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer to the organization.

With Creed and Mayer joining Haas next season, previous reports suggesting Ford Performance driver Hailie Deegan joining the organization have been quashed. Team President Joe Custer had previously expressed interest in bringing Deegan into their fold; however, it appears that the 23-year-old will not be joining the team.

Following Tony Stewart's exit as the team co-owner and Stewart Haas Racing's downsizing, Gene Haas announced plans to retain one Cup Series charter and the continuation of its two-car Xfinity program. The rebranded Haas Factory Team also announced Cole Custer as its Cup Series driver for 2025.

Now, the Haas Factory Team has announced its Xfinity driver lineup, with Creed set to drive the #00 Ford and Mayer to drive the #41 Ford. The team won't run the #98 car next season, with its current driver, Riley Herbst, yet to announce his plans.

Creed is set to compete for his third different Xfinity Series team in as many years next season. After departing Richard Childress Racing last year, he currently drives the #18 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. He continues to remain in the hunt for his maiden Xfinity victory.

Meanwhile, Mayer, who is currently in his third full-time season with JR Motorsports, will leave the organization for Haas. Having secured six wins in the last couple of seasons, Mayer continues his quest for his maiden Xfinity title.

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Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer share thoughts on joining Gene Haas' Xfinity team

Currently driving for championship-winning organizations, both Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer elaborated on their decision to join Gene Haas' Xfinity team. Both drivers aim to join the Cup Series in the future and see the Haas Factory Team as their stepping stone to the premier series.

Creed, 26, hopes to emulate Cole Custer's path to the Cup Series and believes he can win races and championships with the team. He said (via NASCAR.com):

"I watched what Cole Custer did last year on his way to the Xfinity Series championship and when I talked with him about the setup of the organization, everything he said resonated with me. I feel like Haas Factory Team is a place where I can succeed, and where Sam and I can work together to win races and be championship contenders."

The 21-year-old Mayer also mentioned his ultimate goal of joining the NASCAR Cup Series, believing that driving for Gene Haas' Xfinity team will provide valuable preparation for the top level. He said:

"Cup is my ultimate goal, and to really push myself to become the kind of driver who can succeed in Cup, I needed to get out of my comfort zone, challenge myself, and hone my race skills so that when that Cup moment comes, I’m ready. The Haas team got Cole Custer ready for his moment and it’s a place that will help get me and Sheldon ready for our moments."