Joe Gibbs Racing driver Sheldon Creed contemplates his Watkins Glen run as his unwanted record extends

NASCAR driver Sheldon Creed recently reflected on his performance at the Xfinity Series race at Watkins Glen International. Creed started the Mission 200 at the Glen in P9 and eventually secured a second-place finish, 0.319 seconds behind Connor Zilisch, who grabbed his first Xfinity Series win on his debut in the division.

Former Truck Series champion Sheldon Creed pilots the #18 Toyota for Joe Gibbs Racing, competing full-time in the Xfinity Series. Despite eight wins in his Truck Series career, Creed has yet to secure a victory in Xfinity, though he’s earned 44 top-ten finishes in 93 starts. Additionally, Creed claimed the ARCA Racing Series title in 2018, collecting four wins and 18 top-tens in 20 races.

Sheldon Creed remained among the frontrunners for the majority of the race. However, after an overtime restart, Creed was in a hard-fought battle with Kaulig Racing's Shane van Gisbergen, who he overtook as soon as the white flag waved. As chaos ensued in the back of the field, the yellow flag came out, ending the race under caution.

Following the end of the race, Creed was interviewed by Fox Sports' Bob Pockrass, where he shed light on his season thus far. He said (via Pockrass on X):

"Yeah, I mean, obviously you want to win before this point, which we've been close, but close isn't winning. So yeah, now we can focus on Bristol. Obviously, we want to be good at Bristol to lead into the playoffs. And then yeah, winning in the playoffs can be really important for us."

Creed added:

"And just being consistent, I feel like we've been one of the more consistent teams lately. So we just need to keep that up. Yeah, I think we can make a deep run at it."

This is the 12th time Sheldon Creed has finished an Xfinity Series race in P2. Currently, in P6 in the driver standings, Creed has secured 12 top-five and 16 top-ten finishes this season.

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NASCAR insider links Sheldon Creed's JGR exit to Cup aspirations with Haas Factory Team

Earlier this year, it was announced that JGR driver Sheldon Creed will part ways with his current team at the end of the 2024 season. Creed will join Geen Haas' Haas Factory team's Xfinity Series operation, piloting their #00 car.

The Haas Factory Team emerged following Stewart-Haas Racing’s decision to exit NASCAR. While the team is no longer competing under the Stewart-Haas banner, co-owner Gene Haas has remained committed to the sport, ensuring the Haas name continues its presence in NASCAR.

Fox Sports journalist Bob Pockrass believes that Creed's move to HFT is more strategic than meets the eye. He wrote on X:

"Creed probably sees a possible road to Cup through Haas or RFK alliance vs JGR. And -- in general -- these decisions, in addition to coming down to possible performance as well as being the focus of the team, also can come down to financials, sponsorship/funding as well as pay."

JR Motorsports driver Sam Meyer will join Creed in HFT's Xfinity Series program for the 2025 season.