Early Crash Ends Creed’s Strong Run at Talladega; Martinsville Now a Must-Win
Talladega, AL — Sheldon Creed, driver of the No. 00 Road Ranger / Haas Factory Team Ford Mustang, showed impressive speed in Saturday’s United Rentals 250 at Talladega Superspeedway, climbing from his 16th starting position to inside the top five before being collected in a Lap 15 multi-car incident that ended his day before the first stage concluded.
Creed was credited with a 34th-place finish and now sits 41 points below the cut line heading into next weekend’s Round of 8 finale at Martinsville Speedway — effectively making it a must-win scenario to keep his championship hopes alive.
The Road Ranger Ford Mustang displayed excellent pace early, allowing Creed to work the draft and race his way to the front pack within the opening laps. Unfortunately, Talladega’s unpredictable nature struck early, with the Lap 15 crash eliminating several contenders — including both Haas Factory Team entries.
“It’s tough to have your day end that early, especially with so much on the line,” Creed said. “Our Road Ranger Ford Mustang had a lot of speed, and we were just getting settled into a rhythm inside the top five. We’ll regroup and head to Martinsville with one goal — to win and fight our way into the Championship 4.”
Saturday’s race was won by Austin Hill, who swept both Talladega Xfinity races this season, leading a race-high 48 laps and taking the checkered flag after a two-lap overtime finish.
About Sheldon Creed
Sheldon Creed, from El Cajon, California, pilots the No. 00 Road Ranger / Haas Factory Team Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. A former NASCAR Truck Series Champion, Creed is known for his versatility — competing successfully across off-road, stock car, and pavement series. With his never-quit attitude and natural racing instinct, Creed continues to be one of the most exciting drivers to watch in the Xfinity Series.
Follow Sheldon at SheldonCreedRacing.com.
About Haas Factory Team
The Haas Factory Team, backed by Haas Automation and Gene Haas, continues the organization’s legacy of engineering excellence and competitive performance. Fielding entries in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, the team emphasizes precision, innovation, and determination — key traits that drive its pursuit of championships on and off the track.
About the NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs
The NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoffs are now in the Round of 8, featuring the top eight drivers fighting for four coveted spots in the Championship 4 at Phoenix Raceway. With Creed 41 points below the cut line, the upcoming Martinsville Speedway race presents a critical — and likely must-win — opportunity to advance.
