Stewart-Haas, Biagi-DenBeste Racing form Xfinity partnership
The Xfinity Series operation will be known as Stewart-Haas Racing with Biagi-DenBeste starting in 2018. The name change only applies to the company's Xfinity Series program.
The team will continue to field Cole Custer's No. 00 Haas Automation Ford Mustang. The 19-year-old Custer has five top-5s and 16 top-10s so far this season, including a season-best fourth in the June race at Dover.
The No. 41 team, which ran a limited Xfinity schedule with Kevin Harvick in 2017, will change to the No. 98. Sponsors Hunt Brothers Pizza and FIELDS will remain with Harvick as he continues to run a part-time schedule in 2018.
"We're always looking to improve our performance and find ways to make our teams more efficient," SHR co-owner Tony Stewart said. "While we've been in NASCAR for nine years, this was our first year in the Xfinity Series. Partnering with Biagi-DenBeste Racing gives our Xfinity Series program added depth as we prepare for next season."
Biagi-DenBeste Racing, which began in 2001 in the Busch Series, has three wins, including Aric Amirola's May 6 victory at Talladega.
"Racing is our passion and to ensure our presence in this sport for years to come, it made sense to partner with an established team that also fields entries in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series," said Fred Biagi, co-owner of Biagi-DenBeste Racing with Bill and Lori DenBeste. "We look forward to competing for wins and defending our victory at Talladega."