Another piece of the Silly Season puzzle has just dropped into place.  After some discussions between Stewart-Haas Racing owners Tony Stewart and Gene Haas, it was announced on November 16 that SHR standby driver Ryan Preece would take over the driving duties for the number 41 car.

Cole Custer who has spent the past three years as the driver of the number 41 will remain with SHR as a driver in the Xfinity Series as a teammate with Riley Herbst who has also signed a contract extension to stay with the team.

Current SHR drivers Kevin Harvick, Aric Almirola, and Chase Briscoe will remain with the team to fill out the SHR Cup Series team.

Preece spoke on his getting to drive the 41 car saying, “this is the opportunity I’ve been working for.  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.  He added, “I know this season just finished and most people are looking to take a break, but I can’t wait to get going.”

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