Stewart-Haas Racing to field Xfinity team in 2017
Stewart-Haas Racing has announced that they will expand their operations into the NASCAR Xfinity Series next year.
Kurt Busch, Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet, Kevin Harvick, Stewart-Haas Racing Chevrolet
NASCAR Media
Per a release from SHR, the team will field a single full-time entry with a driver and sponsor lineup to be announced before the end of the 2016 season. Motorsport.com understands that Cole Custer is the leading candidate.
SHR is also expected to field a part-time effort for their Cup drivers, such Kevin Harvick and Clint Bowyer.
The team will be fielded out of the team's headquarters in Kannapolis, North Carolina.
“An XFINITY Series team has always been something we would consider when the time was right, and that time is now,” said Stewart, who co-owns SHR with Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation. “Staying successful in this sport means staying ahead of the curve, and having an XFINITY Series team provides an in-house driver development program and a new channel for personnel to make a positive impact with our race team.”
Tony Stewart mentioned during the Indianapolis race weekend that the lack of a developmental program leaves the program in a precarious position if they should need a substitute driver in the future, adding that he would be willing to get back behind the wheel if a situation should arise.
“In order to maintain the competitiveness that has earned SHR two championships since our debut in 2009, we needed an outlet to develop drivers and team personnel for the Sprint Cup Series,” said Greg Zipadelli, vice president of competition, SHR. “People make the difference between winning and losing. An XFINITY Series team gives us added depth that will allow us to promote from within whenever necessary.”
Joe Gibbs Racing, Roush-Fenway Racing and Team Penske also field teams in NASCAR's seconday division.
SHR have won two Sprint Cup titles (Tony Stewart in 2011, Kevin Harvick 2014) and has captured 33 race wins since its inception in 2009.
“This is a natural progression of SHR’s growth and one that allows us to be more self-sufficient,” Haas said. “If you look at all the teams that are successful in Sprint Cup, they have a direct connection to the XFINITY Series where drivers, engineers, mechanics and pit crew members are developed. We’re an established team with a strong infrastructure that is ready for this endeavor.”
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