After 138 starts in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Sheldon Creed finally achieved his first career win during the Bennett Transportation 250 at EchoPark Speedway on Saturday. Driving the No. 00 Chevrolet for the Haas Factory Team, Creed broke his record-setting streak of 15 runner-up finishes to secure the milestone victory.
Creed, who hails from Alpine, California, capitalized on a late-race incident involving Austin Hill and Ross Chastain, which allowed him to surge into the lead on the final lap. This win cements Creed’s status as a genuine contender in the series and ends a wait that had become a notable storyline throughout his career.
Key Moments That Defined Creed’s Victory at EchoPark
The race’s climax unfolded when Chastain and Hill tangled on the last lap, resulting in Hill spinning out. Creed quickly took advantage of the opportunity, passing the incident to claim the checkered flag. Chastain acknowledged the contact, admitting mistakes that influenced the outcome but expressed relief seeing Creed benefit.
“No excuse, I turned him okay, for sure,’’ Chastain said as he recalled making contact with Hill. “And I hate that I did that to another Chevy but I’m glad Sheldon was there to pick it up. …I don’t want to spin these guys I’m not trying to crash coming to the checkered. But to get the run down the back, I did not execute it very well, that’s for sure.”
The runner-up spot went to Parker Retzlaff, while Nick Sanchez, Corey Day, and Jesse Love completed the top five. The remainder of the top-ten finishers included Chastain, Sam Mayer, Rajah Caruth, Taylor Gray, and Brandon Jones, all demonstrating strong performances throughout the event.
Creed’s Perspective on Finally Breaking Through
Breaking through for a win brought a noticeable shift in Creed’s attitude as he reflected on the pressure stemming from his near misses. Having finished second 15 times before, the relief was clear with this first triumph.
“I don’t have to hear it again, you know?” Sheldon Creed told PRN. “If we can finish second five more times this year, I’m OK with it because we’re finally a winner. To have it out of the way and out of the way early is awesome.”
His comments highlight the importance of a win beyond statistics, providing a psychological boost and opening the door to greater confidence moving forward.
Sheldon Creed’s Journey and Development with Haas Factory Team
Creed’s path to this moment involved significant growth and progression within competitive NASCAR tiers. While racing in the 2024 Xfinity Series (also known as the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series), Creed drove for Joe Gibbs Racing but did not clinch a victory. Nevertheless, his consistency was evident, with 23 top-10 finishes and 16 top-fives, tying him with Cole Custer for second in top-10 placements.
With openings arising at Haas Factory Team following Cole Custer’s move to the Cup Series and Riley Herbst’s departure to 23XI Racing, Creed seized the opportunity to advance his career.
“I was hoping – maybe they knew it was a one-year deal – I didn’t know,” Sheldon Creed said in a statement. “I was hoping to go back and then midyear, I saw how things were playing out for other guys and knew that it probably wasn’t going to work with money and what they need.”
Joe Custer, president of Haas Factory and father of Cole Custer, signed Creed along with Sam Mayer, a former JR Motorsports standout, to fill the two open seats for the team, marking a pivotal step in Creed’s racing trajectory.
Upcoming Events and Broadcast Details
The next race for Creed and his competitors will be the Focused Health 250 at the Circuit of The Americas (COTA), scheduled for February 28. Fans can watch the event live on CW starting at 3 p.m. ET, while live updates will also be available via PRN radio and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the race.
Impact and Outlook Following Creed’s Breakthrough Win
Sheldon Creed’s first victory represents a turning point not only for him but also for the competitive dynamics within the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. The breakthrough win relieves pressure accumulated over an extended period of near-misses, signaling that Creed’s persistence has paid off.
This milestone is likely to elevate his confidence and sharpen his focus for the rest of the season as he competes against established and emerging drivers alike. With several promising talents such as Rajah Caruth, Taylor Gray, Parker Retzlaff, and others consistently performing, the series remains highly competitive.
Monitoring Creed’s progression through upcoming races, especially at challenging venues like COTA, will provide insight into his ability to leverage this victory toward long-term success in NASCAR.
