No surprise: Cole Custer to drive for SHR's new Xfinity team in 2017

On Friday, Stewart-Hass Racing confirmed Custer will compete fulltime in the NASCAR Xfinity Series next season with the organization, driving the No. 00 Ford with sponsorship from Haas Automation.

SHR announced earlier this year it would begin an Xfinity program next season. Custer is the son of SHR’s executive vice president, Joe Custer.

“Cole Custer has accomplished a lot at a very young age and is well positioned to make the next step to the NASCAR Xfinity Series,” said Greg Zipadelli, SHR’s vice president of competition. “Our goal with our Xfinity series program is to develop young talent, and that includes behind the wheel. Cole has earned this opportunity and we look forward to working with him.”

Cole, 18, currently competes in the Camping World Truck Series with JR Motorsports. With only Friday night’s race remaining, Custer still has an opportunity to qualify for that series’ championship Chase this season. In 34 career starts, he was won two races and four poles.

“I’ve really enjoyed the Xfinity Series races I’ve run this year and I’m looking forward to running the full schedule in 2017,” Custer said. “It’s a new challenge, and with the resources of Stewart-Haas Racing, I’m in the best position to learn and succeed.

“I’m grateful for the chance they’ve given me and I plan to make the most of it.”

Custer has made three Xfinity starts this season, earning a pair of top-10 finishes including a best finish of fourth in May at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

Three times already in his racing career, Custer has set marks as the youngest series winner with his first career victory – Trucks (2014, 16 years old), K&N Pro Series East (2013, 15 years old) and Late Model stock cars (2012, 14 years old).