Bristol, Tennessee, September 16, 2025
News Summary
Cole Custer faced multiple challenges at the NASCAR Cup Series race in Bristol, Tennessee, ultimately finishing 33rd. Starting from 26th, tire issues and handling problems hindered his performance throughout the race. Despite attempts to recover, including a pit stop for repairs, he was unable to gain significant ground. Meanwhile, fellow racers Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer achieved commendable finishes, highlighting their strong performances as the playoffs commenced.
Bristol, Tennessee – Cole Custer Faces Challenges, Finishes 33rd in NASCAR Cup Series Race
Cole Custer struggled throughout the NASCAR Cup Series race at Bristol Motor Speedway, finishing in 33rd position on September 13, 2025. Custer, who piloted the No. 41 HaasTooling.com Ford, began the race from 26th, but was quickly hampered by tire issues and car handling problems.
By lap 30, Custer had already been lapped and dropped to 37th position after reporting that his car was extremely tight when racing in traffic. His difficulties were compounded on lap 57 when he suffered a flat right front tire. This necessitated a pit stop for four tires and fuel, but the ongoing tight-handling conditions continued to plague him throughout the event. Custer completed Stage One in 35th position.
In Stage Two, the team made an aggressive call to take only two right-side tires on lap 196 to help conserve tire sets, but by lap 225, Custer was four laps down. A wave-around during a caution on lap 238 allowed him to regain some ground, but he ended Stage Two in 37th position after a pit stop for fresh tires under yellow. However, he faced an uphill battle as he restarted deep in the pack for the final stage.
The difficulties continued for Custer on lap 281 when he made contact with another vehicle, sending him spinning and damaging the right rear toe link. Thankfully, his team managed to make repairs, allowing him to return to the track. Despite his best efforts to recover, Custer ultimately finished the race in 33rd position.
In contrast, fellow competitors Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer excelled during the race. Creed finished in second place driving the No. 00 Road Ranger Ford after starting from the 10th position and recovering from a pit road penalty. Mayer claimed third place in the No. 41 Audibel Ford, starting second and leading for a season-high 68 laps. Their strong performances were crucial as the race marked the opening round of the playoffs for the Cup Series.
The next NASCAR Cup Series event will take place at New Hampshire Motor Speedway on September 21, 2025. The Haas Factory Team, owned by Gene Haas, founder of Haas Automation, will continue to feature Custer in the Cup Series, while Creed and Mayer are set to compete in Xfinity Series events.
Race Summary
- Date: September 13, 2025
- Location: Bristol Motor Speedway, Tennessee
- Cole Custer’s Finish: 33rd
- Starting Position: 26th
- Key Issues: Tire problems, handling difficulties
- Stage Finishes: Stage One (35th), Stage Two (37th)
- Next Race: September 21, 2025 – New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Competitors’ Performance
| Driver | Finish Position | Starting Position | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cole Custer | 33rd | 26th | No. 41 HaasTooling.com Ford |
| Sheldon Creed | 2nd | 10th | No. 00 Road Ranger Ford |
| Sam Mayer | 3rd | 2nd | No. 41 Audibel Ford |
FAQ Section
What happened to Cole Custer during the race?
Cole Custer experienced multiple issues, including tire problems and handling difficulties, which contributed to his 33rd-place finish.
What was the starting position of Cole Custer?
Custer started the race in 26th position before facing challenges throughout the event.
Who were the top finishers in the race?
Sheldon Creed finished second, and Sam Mayer finished third, both demonstrating strong performances.
When is the next NASCAR Cup Series race?
The next race is scheduled for September 21, 2025, at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs Kick Off with Food City 300
Additional Resources
- The Tennessean
- Wikipedia: NASCAR Xfinity Series
- Speedway Digest
- Google Search: Cole Custer Bristol 2025
- Frontstretch
- Google Scholar: Cole Custer NASCAR
- NBC Sports
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Bristol Motor Speedway
- Motorsport
- Google News: NASCAR Cup Series 2025
Author: STAFF HERE BRISTOL WRITTER
The BRISTOL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBristol.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bristol, Sullivan County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, NASCAR races at Bristol Motor Speedway, Border Bash concert series, and the Hot Bristol Night Car Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bristol Chamber of Commerce, Believe in Bristol, and the Birthplace of Country Music, plus leading businesses in healthcare, manufacturing, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Ballad Health, Strongwell, and Bristol Motor Speedway. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
