Haas Factory Racing has confirmed that it will be making a change to Sam Mayer's crew for 2026.
The team announced on Tuesday that Craig Smokstad will be the 22-year-old's car chief for the upcoming O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season, replacing Thomas Fleming.
While Fleming has been replaced in Mayer's team, Jason Trinchere will remain the No. 41 car's crew chief.
Despite nine top-three finishes in the Xfinity Series last year, Mayer could only convert one of those (at Iowa) into a trip to victory road – and dropped out of the playoffs before the Championship 4.
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Mayer must fix reputation in 2026
Haas' post announcing the move read: "Craig Smokstad has been elevated to Car Chief of the No. 41 for Sam Mayer in 2026. Jason Trinchere will remain the Crew Chief for Sam Mayer.
"Jonathan Toney & Chris Letourneau will continue to lead the charge for Sheldon Creed and the No. 00 crew."
Mayer comes into the new season under a cloud after his actions at Martinsville Speedway in October, in which he intentionally wrecked Jeb Burton after the chequered flag.
Mayer launched into lengthy rants against Burton after the race, re-raising questions about his temperament and maturity as he looks to find a Cup Series drive. NASCAR, for their part, suspended him for the season's final race at Phoenix.
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