Haas Factory Team is going all-in with Sheldon Creed in 2026. Chevrolet’s newest NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series organization is off to a hot start with its prospect in the No. 00 car.
Creed, who had a 137-race winless streak, broke into Victory Lane in dramatic fashion at EchoPark Speedway. He narrowly squeezed by a wrecking Austin Hill, who was tapped by Ross Chastain, entering Turn 3 on the last lap to win his first series race.
“I was ecstatic to finally do it after four years of trying and going into my fifth year in the series,” Creed said. “It took way too long. Fifteen second-place finishes, and that was my 138th start. It was obviously way too long. There was a lot of built-up pressure.”
Now a winner, Creed is as excited as ever for his championship hopes. For the first time since becoming a full-time competitor in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Creed believes he can win a title.
“Our cars are more competitive this year than they were last,” he said. “I wouldn’t say it’s been easier to run up front, but I feel like I’m making better decisions and the car being faster helps a lot. I feel like I don’t wear 100 pounds on my shoulder anymore like I was searching for that first win. I’m focused on racing and just trying to improve every week.”
Championship Hopes
Creed entered the Craftsman Truck Series as a hot prospect, and captured the 2020 title. He consistently competed at the front of the pack.
With the return of the Chase format, Creed believes consistency will be key.
“Consistency and you gotta have raw speed most weeks,” Creed said. “You can afford to have an off week here and there, but at the same time, you really can’t because of who you’re racing like Allgaier, Jesse Love, everyone at JR Motorsports and the Gibbs guys. One of those guys is going to go on a stretch, and you’re going to have to stay with them. Popping off wins as much as you can. On the days you don’t win, just try to put the best day together and have confidence in your team.”
While he has never finished better than sixth in the championship standings, he has showed that he can be a constant face at the front of the pack. With Joe Gibbs Racing, he had 16 top fives and 23 top 10s.
But to win it all, he’ll have to have the run of his life.
“It would be incredible,” Creed said. “If I can win this, then I’d have an ARCA, Truck and O’Reilly championship going into a Cup ride hopefully in the next couple of years. Then, hopefully you have a competitive team in the Cup Series and try to win a championship there, as well. Obviously, it gets harder at every level. If you look at Cup right now, there’s a ton of really good drivers and they’ve all won at some point.”
Creed’s Cup Dream
Creed’s breakthrough win has rejuvenated his hopes at one day becoming a Cup driver.
“I want to win races and be really consistent towards the front every week with a shot to win the championship at the end of the year,” Creed said. “Obviously, points are way more important this year than the previous 10 years. I’m just trying to run up front and pop off top fives. I want to be the guy that, when Cup teams are looking for the next guy to bring up, I’m on their list.”
Though he may have disappeared from the radar of Cup teams due to his record 15 runner-up finishes, he believes he will soon be ready for the sport’s premier division.
“Sponsors help, but winning does, too, if not more,” he said. “I’m just trying to be more consistent and win more races. Obviously, I don’t want to go to Cup if I’ve won one race and I’m just OK. I want to earn it. I don’t want to buy a Cup ride, because I don’t feel like that’s making it.”
As of now, Haas Factory Team only has one Cup charter. While that could change in the future, the No. 41 Cup seat is taken by Cole Custer, and that will not change anytime soon.
Sheldon Creed Aims For O’Reilly Championship In 2026