"Hailie Deegan going back to ARCA?" - NASCAR fans buzz as Gene Haas-led HFT reveals 2025 driver lineup

The Haas Factory Team recently announced the signing of Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer to pilot their two Xfinity Series entries. The big revelation stirred up the NASCAR community, especially given the previous reports of HFT president Joe Custer's interest in Hailie Deegan.

Following the announcement of Stewart-Haas Racing's departure from the sport, co-owner Gene Haas made plans to retain one Cup Series and two Xfinity Series charters. With Cole Custer confirmed as the sole Cup Series driver for the #41 Ford, speculation has intensified regarding the future of current SHR Xfinity driver Riley Herbst and the potential of bringing Hailie Deegan on board after her mid-season split from AM Racing.

As things stand, JR Motorsports driver Sam Mayer will pilot the #41 Ford, and Joe Gibbs Racing driver Sheldon Creed will drive the #00 for HFT in the 2025 Xfinity Series season.

"Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer to drive Xfinity full time for Haas Factory Team next year — 00-Creed, 41-Mayer (won’t use the 98)," Bob Pockrass wrote on X.

Following the announcement, NASCAR fans have been vocal about their reactions and concerns. The news of Creed and Mayer switching teams has left many fans surprised.

"I don't understand the Sam Mayer switch," one fan wrote.

"Wow Creed leaving JGR after just 1 year?," another fan questioned.

As the 26-year-old Creed prepares for his third team in just four years, a fan commented,

"Creed get around more then most lot lizards,"

"Another team for Creed? Lmao. Mayer on the other hand was kind of a surprise to me. Would've thought he'd want to stay at JRM," a fan stated.

Meanwhile, a fan questioned the Fox Sports journalist about Deegan's future prospects after being excluded from the Xfinity Series lineup.

"Deegan going back to ARCA or what, Bob," the fan wrote.

Here are a few more reactions following the HFT driver lineup announcement:

"Where do you think Deegan goes?" a fan asked.

"What’s happening to Riley Herbst?" a second fan asked.

"Well this was a huge shocker," a fan wrote.

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"They bring significant experience" - HFT president on signing the two new drivers

With NASCAR gearing up for the Michigan weekend schedule, the Haas Factory Team announced the signing of Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer to pilot the team's two-car entries for the 2025 Xfinity Series.

2020 Truck Series champion Creed is in his third full-time Xfinity Series season and posted a seventh-place finish in the 2023 standings. Meanwhile, 21-year-old Mayer is also in his third full-time Xfinity Series season, boasting six career wins and a third-place finish in last year's championship.

During the media interaction, HFT president Joe Custer shared his views on signing the two young drivers for their Xfinity program. Here's what Custer said (via NASCAR):

"We’ve developed a strong and consistent Xfinity Series program at Stewart-Haas that wins races and championships. In 2025, that program will operate as Haas Factory Team. The name is changing, but our commitment to winning remains the same."

"Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer have won championships on their way to the Xfinity Series and they’re both hungry to win races and compete for an Xfinity Series title. They bring significant experience and a shared desire to win. Having them a part of Haas Factory Team allows us to operate at a high level and collect trophies," he added.

Currently, Mayer sits at P12 in the 2024 points standings with two wins and seven top-five finishes, while Creed holds the P8 position with nine top-five finishes after 20 races this season.