NASCAR Cup Series driver Cole Custer has announced a surprise return to the O'Reilly Auto Parts Series for 2026.
Custer was champion in NASCAR's second tier in 2023 when it was titled the Xfinity Series, and after finishing runner-up in the following season, he earned himself a full-time Cup driver for 2025.
The Ladera Ranch, California native will continue to race in the Cup Series for Haas Factory Team full-time in 2026, but on a part-time basis alongside those duties, he will also drive for SS-GreenLight Racing.
That news was revealed by the team this week, with Custer set to race in five events for the organization this season - a great move on their part considering his record of 15 wins, 21 Poles, and 119 Top 10s in the series.
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Cole Custer returns to NASCAR's second series
At this stage, it's unclear which races Custer will be competing at, with that set to be revealed at a later date.
“Having Cole back in our car is an honor," team owner Bobby Daotter said.
"We’ve been lucky to share success and we hope to have more this season.
“We are stepping up our program this year with lease motors and new personnel and Cole will be a big part of that effort.”
Elsewhere, Custer himself added: “I’m thankful for the opportunity to return to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and compete with SS GreenLight Racing and Chevrolet.
"I’m really looking forward to working with Bobby and the entire team over these five races.
"Our goal is to have strong runs every time we unload and put ourselves in position to race for wins and get to Victory Lane.”
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