Sheldon Creed will exit Haas Racing at the end of the 2026 season to become the new captain of Sam Hunt Racing’s No. 26 truck, aiming for a long‑term seat that promises both stability and championship contention.
Why Creed is Moving…
“There are no complaints from my side,” Creed explained at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, citing financial logic as the decisive factor. “Business has to make sense, sometimes it overrides results on the track.”
Recruiting a driver of Creed’s caliber requires more than points. Teams need funding to cover engineering, chassis upgrades, and a living wage for the driver. Sam Hunt Racing, backed by Toyota, offered that package, which headlines faster than any loose‑talk rivalry.
Progress and Prestige at Haas
Creed finished 2026 as the points leader in the NASCAR O’Reilly Series Chase, leading through three races. He credits the “truck, the truck crew, and the support system” for the record‑setting run, yet sees a single‑seat future as a doubtful sale‑point in 2027.
“I have the privilege of racing for Richard Childress Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing, and now Haas,” Creed remarked, reflecting on the breadth of manufacturer experience he brings. “Testifying to each partner’s strengths helps me bring a unique view to the team I’ll join next year.”
Hunter’s View on the Transfer
Team owner Sam Hunt expressed confidence in Creed, noting their long‑standing friendship and shared “life stage.” “I know Sheldon’s skill set, his focus, and his humanity,” Hunt said. “He’s the building block we need to elevate the No. 26 to a championship‑level program.”
Hunt emphasized the “village” dynamic behind the deal, thanking the support staff that coalesced the partnership. “I asked Sheldon to immerse himself fully, and I trust him at a very high level,” he added, projecting a collaborative relationship.
Industry Implications
Creed will be part of Toyota’s racing division, maintaining the alliance that already lined up with other Toyota‑affiliated teams. The move does not alter any contractual relation between Sam Hunt Racing and Toyota.
Creed noted that he’s raced for every major manufacturer in the series, which gives him a perspective on how teams operate. He was optimistic about sharing insights with crew chief Kris Bowen, further integrating Toyota’s technical resources.
Upcoming Seasons
Creed’s 2027 plan is to “make the playoffs.” He also acknowledged the competition from drivers such as Justin Allgaier, Carson Kvapil, and Jesse Love, whom he will confront head‑on while drilling into stage‑by‑stage cuts.
“We’ll see how the series develops in the first races,” Creed said. “The objective is the Chase; we will create opportunities for wins if the setup pays off.”
His smooth transition away from Haas and into Sam Hunt Racing preserves both his championship trajectory and the stability needed for a decade‑long Cup‑level career. The shift marks a strategic re‑calibration that balances on‑track ambitions with long‑term business sustainability, setting the stage for a fresh competitive chapter in 2027.
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