K&N Pro Series East driver Cole Custer is looking forward to his next step up the NASCAR ladder when he graduates to the Camping World Truck Series next year. Custer, 15, made a nice impression Friday by winning the pole for the North American Power 100 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway with a lap of 128.240 mph. It was his first start at the Magic Mile – behind the wheel of the #00 Ken Schrader Racing Chevy. In addition to running in the K&N Pro tour, Custer is planning to compete in eight to 10 truck races after he turns 16 on January 23. Drivers under the age of 18 can run only on tracks of a mile-and-a-half or less. Veteran crew chief Joe Shear Jr. will oversee Custer’s truck program, which will feature Turner Scott Motorsports equipment but will continue to race out of KSR. Shear, 45, worked in the same role with Johnny Sauter for the past seven seasons before they parted ways in August.(Fox Sports)(9-20-2013)
UPDATE: Cole Custer will get more than his driver’s license when he turns 16 on Thursday. The talented youngster from Ladera Ranch, Calif., has earned a part-time ride in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with Haas Racing Development. Custer will race the #00 Chevy Silverado in nine races in 2014. He’ll make his debut at Martinsville Speedway in the Kroger 250 on March 29. While Custer’s trucks will be fielded by HRD, he’ll have the benefit of Hendrick engines and Turner Scott Motorsports chassis. Joe Shear Jr. will work as his crew chief.(Fox Sports)(1-20-2014)
