Stewart-Haas Racing stepped into NASCAR's top developmental series on Friday, hiring teenager Cole Custer to drive its first entry in the Xfinity Series.
It's part of a push toward the future for SHR that extends to its Sprint Cup teams. Co-owner Tony Stewart retires after this season, so bringing young drivers into the program sets up other possibilities.
Custer will get his Xfinity ride starting in 2017.
"Our goal with our Xfinity Series program is to develop young talent, and that includes behind the wheel," SHR exec Greg Zipadelli said in a company statement.