Haas Factory Team Turns Page on Tony Stewart Era With Bold Rick Hendrick–Chevrolet Move

Gene Haas’ NASCAR program entered a transition in 2025 after Stewart-Haas Racing shut down in 2024. The team, which Haas co-owned with Tony Stewart from 2009 to 2024 and won multiple championships with, closed its doors after underwhelming performances and financial struggles with sponsor losses. But since Haas launched the Haas Factory Team this year, the team has still struggled, raising concerns that it could face the same fate as SHR if they don’t do something about its challenges. And to tackle this, they have now taken a bold step, which not only aims to secure their future but also marks a decisive break from Tony Stewart’s legacy.

On Friday, Haas Factory Team confirmed it will move to Chevrolet starting in 2026. This move will be to form a full technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports. This includes access to Hendrick-built engines across its Cup and Xfinity entries. Gene Haas described the move as deeply personal. “I have a long history with Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports. Both helped in establishing not only my presence as a team owner in NASCAR but also the presence of Haas Automation.” HMS owner Rick Hendrick echoed the sentiment, calling it “almost like a homecoming.”

This move marks a definitive close to the Tony Stewart era. By stepping away from Ford and realigning its future under a fresh identity, Gene Haas is steering the organization in a new direction, no longer tied to Stewart’s legacy but instead focused on rebuilding with new partnerships and a renewed vision.

Team president Joe Custer added, “Ford was an excellent partner in helping us establish Haas Factory Team, and we are committed to running with them through the end of the 2025 season. Looking ahead, aligning with Chevrolet and Hendrick Motorsports provides us the best path forward to build a strong and competitive program.” His comments highlight how this shift is as much about survival as it is about legacy.

NEWS: @HaasFactoryTeam will align with Chevrolet and form a technical alliance with Hendrick Motorsports in 2026.

The team’s driver lineup will remain the same — Cole Custer in Cup, Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer in O’Reilly Auto Parts Series.#NASCAR

— Joseph Srigley (@joe_srigley) September 5, 2025

The HMS Chevy shift will debut at the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1, 2026. It will feature Cole Custer driving the No. 41 Chevrolet. Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer will follow in the season-opening O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Daytona on February 14. The driver lineup remains unchanged, giving HFT continuity as it adapts to new equipment. With Hendrick’s resources and Chevrolet’s backing, the team positions itself for a competitive reset after a modest 2025 season.

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