Ryan Preece Promoted to Cup, Cole Custer Demoted to Xfinity for SHR

Credit: Debbie Ross for Skirts and Scuffs

Ryan Preece will drive the No. 41 Ford for Stewart-Haas Racing beginning in 2023, the organization announced on Wednesday morning. Preece will replace Cole Custer, who will move to SHR’s Xfinity program from Cup.

Preece spent the 2022 NASCAR season as a simulator test driver for the organization, as well as a standby driver. Outside of SHR, Preece raced part-time in the Camping World Truck Series for David Gilliland Racing. 

“This is the opportunity I’ve been working for,” Preece said in a team release. “Nothing was guaranteed at the start of this year, but I felt like if I put in the time, whether it was in a race car or in a simulator, that SHR was the place for me. It’s a company built by racers, for racers, and it’s exactly where I want to be.

“I know this season just finished and most people are looking to take a break, but I can’t wait to get going.”

Preece will join Kevin Harvick, Aric Almirola, and Chase Briscoe to round out the team's 2023 lineup. 

Custer, who earned one Cup Series victory during his rookie season in 2020, will return to the Xfinity Series. He will join Riley Herbst. 

Custer’s four-year Cup tenure earned him one win, two top-five finishes, and twelve top 10s. 

“Cole Custer has been a part of SHR since 2017 and we’re glad to have him stay with us,” team co-owner and three-time Cup Series champion Tony Stewart said. “Cole’s experience will be invaluable to Riley Herbst as he continues his development in the Xfinity Series.”

SHR did not immediately announce Preece’s crew chief for the 2023 season. Sponsorship is also expected to be announced at a later date.