Cole Custer is set to make a significant comeback this weekend, competing in both the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Driving for SS GreenLight Racing in the O’Reilly series, Custer will begin a five-race schedule in 2026 while also piloting a Chevrolet in the Cup Series events scheduled for March 14 and 15. This marks an important step in his ongoing career as he aims to build momentum at the 1.5-mile track.
The 27-year-old driver, known for his previous success with Stewart-Haas Racing, last ran a full season in the O’Reilly Series in 2024, finishing second in the standings. He captured the championship in 2023 and has accumulated 15 series wins, 21 pole positions, and over 100 top-10 finishes, showcasing his strong performance at this level.
Partnerships and Past Success with SS GreenLight Racing
Cole Custer’s return to the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series reunites him with SS GreenLight Racing, a team owned by former NASCAR driver Bobby Dotter. Having raced part-time for them in 2022, Custer secured the team’s first series win at Auto Club Speedway that year. This season, he shares the No. 0 Chevrolet ride with Garrett Smithley and Alex Labbe, although the locations of the remaining four races for 2026 have not been announced.
“HE’S BACK! 👊 Cole Custer returns to the [NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series] this weekend at [Las Vegas Motor Speedway] with SS Greenlight Racing for the first of five races in the No. 0 Chevrolet.”
– Haas Factory Team Announcement
Cole Custer’s Performance and Aspirations at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
After a challenging start to the 2026 season, including a 31st-place finish in the NASCAR Cup Series standings and a recent DNF (Did Not Finish) at Phoenix Raceway, Custer is eager to find better results. He finished 24th at the Daytona 500 and recorded finishes outside the top 20 at Atlanta Motor Speedway and Circuit of the Americas, contributing to a tentative beginning this year.
At Las Vegas Motor Speedway, Custer has recorded several top-three finishes in the O’Reilly series, including runner-up placements in the spring races of 2023 and 2024. Notably, he secured the pole position and finished second in 2024 after competing near the front for most of the race. Despite this success in the Xfinity-level series, converting these strong performances into Cup Series victories has proven elusive.
This weekend, Custer will drive the No. 0 Chevrolet in the 200-lap The LiUNA! O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race, which begins at 5:30 p.m. ET on Saturday. The following day, he will compete in the NASCAR Cup Series event, set to start at 4:00 p.m. ET.
Outlook for Cole Custer’s Season and the Importance of the Las Vegas Weekend
Cole Custer’s Las Vegas appearances represent a crucial opportunity to regain momentum amid a demanding start to the year. His experience with SS GreenLight Racing and past success at this track add hope for a breakthrough performance in both series. As the season unfolds, the results this weekend may signal whether Custer can rebound to become a consistent contender in NASCAR’s top tiers. Fans and teams alike will watch closely to see if this marks the beginning of a strong run for the California native across his dual commitments.
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