“Operating a 4-car Cup team has become too arduous”: Stewart-Haas Racing’s co-owner speaks out after keeping one charter

Stewart-Haas Racing owner Gene Haas, 71, discussed the reason why he can only retain one charter out of four. Haas intends to remain in NASCAR in 2025. He explained that while he needed a platform to promote Haas Automation and grow HaasTooling.com, operating a four-car Cup Series team had become too difficult for him.

Stewart-Haas Racing owners, Tony Stewart and Gene Haas, earlier announced that the team would dissolve after the 2024 Cup season. Additionally, the team would sell all four of its charters. Front Row Motorsports emerged as the first team to buy a charter for around $25 million.

But recently, according to a post made by Bob Pockrass, Gene Haas will retain one of the charters to maintain his presence in the NASCAR Cup Series for the sake of customers and distributors. Gene Haas, as per the post made by Bob Pockrass, said:

"Gene Haas on keeping one Cup charter: “My commitment to motorsports hasn’t changed, just the scope of my involvement. Operating a four-car Cup Series team has become too arduous but, at the same time, I still need a platform to promote Haas Automation and grow HaasTooling .com”"

Additionally, the team will operate with a two-car lineup in the Xfinity Series.

“Maintaining my presence in Cup allows Haas Automation to compete at NASCAR’s highest level, which is important to our customers and distributors. The Xfinity Series program provides a full weekend experience for our guests, and it delivers added depth and scale to our overall operation,” Haas added, according to Nascar.com

The press release states that Joe Custer will lead the Haas Factory Team as president. Drivers and team partners are set to be announced as the 2025 NASCAR season approaches.

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Where will the Stewart-Haas Racing cars one Cup and two Xfinity cars operate from?

Previously, it was rumored that the Stewart-Haas Racing team would be selling their shop as well. However, according to the latest updates, the new organization—Haas Factory Team—will operate out of the current Stewart-Haas Racing shop in Kannapolis, North Carolina.

So, Front Row Motorsports don't need to plan on relocating to the SHR campus anymore. Additionally, details about the drivers who will be a part of the Stewart-Haas Racing team are still unknown. Bob Pockrass anticipates Cole Custer to be one of the drivers since he is already sponsored by Haas.

""Would think Cole Custer, since he's already sponsored by Haas, would have solid shot at this Cup ride (if Haas didn't retain a charter, would think more possible Custer to Front Row w/Haas sponsorship). Whether team has alliance, assembles its own cars, etc., all likely TBD," as per Bob Pockrass on X.

Since entering the Xfinity Series in 2017, the team has won 22 series victories and clinched the championship in 2023 with Cole Custer. The Stewart-Haas Racing team has yet to announce the designated driver for their Cup charter.