CREED LEAVES LAS VEGAS WITH CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD, FUTURE SECURED WITH SAM HUNT RACING
No. 00 Haas Factory Team Driver Maintains 19-Point Chase Lead with Five Races Remaining; Announces Multi-Year Move to No. 26 Toyota GR Supra Beginning in 2027
LAS VEGAS (October 4, 2026) — Sheldon Creed arrived at Las Vegas Motor Speedway leading the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series championship and left the desert still on top, capping a headline-filled weekend that also brought confirmation of his racing future.
Creed finished 13th in Saturday night's Focused Health 302 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, but a challenging night for several of his closest championship rivals allowed the Haas Factory Team driver to maintain — and expand — his advantage atop The Chase standings.
Starting second alongside polesitter Corey Day, Creed immediately showed speed in the No. 00 Ollie's Chevrolet. He used the outside lane to take the lead on the opening lap and paced the field for the first eight circuits before Day reclaimed the top spot.
As the race developed, however, Creed and the No. 00 team struggled to maintain their early track position. He ultimately crossed the finish line 13th after 201 laps on the 1.5-mile Las Vegas oval.
Even without the finish the team wanted, the championship picture worked in Creed's favor.
Justin Allgaier, who entered Las Vegas just 11 points behind Creed, was caught in an incident early in Stage 2 and eventually finished 34th. Creed leaves Las Vegas with 2,259 points and a 19-point advantage over Carson Kvapil. Jesse Love sits third, 22 points back, with Allgaier fourth at 31 points behind.
With five races remaining, Creed continues to control the championship standings during what has become the best NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season of his career.
The 2026 campaign has already produced three victories for Creed, including wins at EchoPark Speedway, Darlington Raceway and Bristol Motor Speedway. His Darlington and Bristol victories came during the opening three races of The Chase, helping propel him into the championship lead.
But the championship battle wasn't the only major news surrounding Creed in Las Vegas.
Earlier Saturday, Sam Hunt Racing announced that Creed has signed a multi-year agreement to drive the organization's No. 26 Toyota GR Supra beginning with the 2027 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season.
Crew chief Kris Bowen will lead the No. 26 team.
“I couldn't be more excited to join Sam Hunt Racing in 2027 and to chase trophies alongside Kris Bowen as my crew chief,” Creed said in the team's announcement. “I've known Sam for several years and have watched SHR grow first-hand, so it's special to put my name above the door and to be able to also call it home.”
Creed also made clear that his future plans won't distract from the opportunity directly in front of him.
“Currently, I'm focused on winning a championship with Haas Factory Team and closing the season out strong, but am thrilled to have my plans locked in for next year and into the future with a quality group of people.”
The move will bring one of the series' most experienced competitors to an organization that has steadily expanded its presence in NASCAR's national ranks.
“Today marks one of the most fulfilling announcements I've had the pleasure of making since founding SHR,” said Sam Hunt, Owner and President of Sam Hunt Racing. “Sheldon fits every category I look for in a driver that can build a scrappy race team into its future — talent, experience, personality, and most importantly, who he is as a human.”
Creed also pointed to Toyota's resources as an important part of his decision. Having competed with multiple manufacturers during his NASCAR career, Creed believes those experiences can help him contribute to the continued growth of Sam Hunt Racing.
For now, however, the future can wait.
There is a championship to chase.
Creed and Haas Factory Team head east carrying a 19-point advantage into the final five races of the season. Next up is the Blue Cross NC 250 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway ROVAL on Saturday, October 10.
The race is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on The CW.
About Sheldon Creed
Sheldon Creed, of El Cajon, California, is a multi-discipline motorsports champion and the 2020 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series champion. Creed currently drives the No. 00 Ollie's Chevrolet for Haas Factory Team in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series and leads the 2026 championship standings with five races remaining.
Beginning as a motocross racer at age six, Creed developed into one of motorsports' most versatile competitors, earning championships and victories across off-road racing, Stadium Super Trucks, ARCA and NASCAR. He captured the 2018 ARCA Menards Series championship before winning the 2020 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series title.
Creed has earned three NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series victories, all during his breakout 2026 season, along with 47 top-five finishes and 87 top-10 finishes through 163 series starts entering Las Vegas.
Beginning in 2027, Creed will drive the No. 26 Toyota GR Supra for Sam Hunt Racing under a multi-year agreement.
Creed is guided and represented by Race Face Brand Development.
About Haas Factory Team
Haas Factory Team is a NASCAR racing organization competing in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. In 2026, the organization fields the No. 00 Chevrolet for championship leader Sheldon Creed.
Creed and Haas Factory Team have combined for three victories during the 2026 season, including Chase victories at Darlington Raceway and Bristol Motor Speedway. The team enters the final five races of the season leading the championship standings.
Creed will complete the 2026 season with Haas Factory Team before departing the organization at year's end.
About Sam Hunt Racing
Sam Hunt Racing (SHR) is a NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series organization based in Mooresville, North Carolina. Founded by Sam Hunt, SHR made its series debut in the 2019 season finale and competes with Toyota GR Supra entries with support from Toyota Racing.
Beginning in 2027, Sheldon Creed will drive SHR's No. 26 Toyota GR Supra under a multi-year agreement, with Kris Bowen serving as crew chief.
For more information, visit samhuntracing.com.
About Friends of Jaclyn Foundation
The Friends of Jaclyn Foundation (FOJ) is a nonprofit organization founded by Denis Murphy dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and young adults battling pediatric cancer and other serious illnesses.
Through its signature adoption program, Friends of Jaclyn connects children and their families with college, high school and professional sports teams, creating lasting relationships that provide love, support and a team behind them throughout their journey.
Sheldon Creed and Race Face Brand Development proudly support the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation and its mission.
For more information, visit friendsofjaclyn.org.
Media Contact:
Rod Wortham
Race Face Brand Development
rod@racefacebd.com
