SHELDON CREED BATTLES TO TOP-FIVE FINISH AT TALLADEGA, GAINS GROUND IN CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS

Haas Factory Team Driver Rebounds from Phoenix Setback with Fifth-Place Finish and Valuable Championship Points

TALLADEGA, Ala. (October 25, 2026) — Sheldon Creed returned to the top five in Saturday's The Progress Group 250 at Talladega Superspeedway, delivering a determined performance in the No. 00 Road Ranger Chevrolet for Haas Factory Team. After an ignition issue derailed his championship hopes at Phoenix Raceway one week earlier, Creed responded with a fifth-place finish that kept him firmly in contention with just two races remaining in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series season.

Entering Talladega fourth in the championship standings, Creed knew collecting points all afternoon would be critical. Starting 12th, he wasted little time moving forward, working his way into the top 10 before advancing to third as the field settled into a single-file draft.

With the field constantly shifting and drivers searching for drafting partners, Creed stayed among the leaders through the opening stage. A late attempt to improve his position fell short, but he crossed the line fifth, earning six valuable stage points.

The second stage brought more of the same competitive intensity. Starting on the front row, Creed initially slipped outside the top five before using the outside lane's momentum to charge back toward third. As the field spread three-wide, he connected with Haas Factory Team teammate Sam Mayer, and the two worked together to position themselves for a late-stage run.

Creed finished fifth in Stage 2, adding another six points and bringing his stage total to 12 for the afternoon.

The final stage presented several additional challenges. Starting 10th, Creed worked his way forward before an incident ahead of him brought out a caution. He again teamed with Mayer to advance into the top five, positioning the No. 00 Chevrolet among the leaders as the laps wound down.

A debris caution on Lap 73 created another opportunity, with Creed lining up fourth for the restart. However, as the field gravitated toward the high lane, he fell back to ninth, forcing him to find another way forward in the closing laps.

Rather than settle for a finish outside the top five, Creed mounted one final charge. Coming through the final corner, he powered past four competitors to take the checkered flag in fifth, securing his fifth top-five finish of the Chase and his 14th top-five result of the season.

After the race, Creed acknowledged how hard it was to make moves without reliable drafting help.

"I felt like I had opportunities to make moves throughout the race, but I didn't always have the help I needed to make them work. You risk losing a lot of positions if you go to the bottom and nobody follows, so it was a tough balance," Creed said.

"I'm proud of everyone at Haas Factory Team and thankful to Road Ranger and Ollie's for standing behind us this year. I also appreciate Gene Haas, Joe Custer and everyone at the Hendrick Engine Shop for their continued support."

Sammy Smith claimed the victory in a dramatic final-lap battle, edging Carson Kvapil by just 0.084 seconds. Championship leader Jesse Love finished third, followed by Justin Allgaier and Creed.

The result mattered after Creed's disappointing 32nd-place finish at Phoenix, where an ignition problem ended his chance to capitalize on a strong start. Talladega provided a much-needed turnaround, with Creed earning points in both stages and completing all 94 laps.

With 2,351 championship points, Creed remains fourth in the standings, 50 points behind Love and just 21 behind third-place Corey Day. His championship deficit narrowed by nine points entering the final two events.

Although the championship battle remains challenging, Creed and the Haas Factory Team have shown the speed and consistency to compete at the front. With 14 top-five and 21 top-10 finishes in 31 races, Creed has established himself as one of the series' most competitive drivers in 2026.

The focus now shifts to Martinsville Speedway, where short-track racing will replace Talladega's unpredictable drafting battles. With valuable points still on the line and the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway approaching, Creed remains determined to finish the year strong.

Up Next

The NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series heads to Martinsville Speedway for the National Debt Relief 250 on Saturday, October 31, at 4 p.m. ET. The CW will carry television coverage, with radio coverage on MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio.

The 2026 season concludes Saturday, November 7, at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

About Sheldon Creed

Sheldon Creed is an accomplished professional NASCAR driver competing full-time in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series behind the wheel of the No. 00 Chevrolet for Haas Factory Team. A native of Alpine, California, Creed has built an impressive motorsports career highlighted by national championships, race victories, and success across multiple racing disciplines.

Creed developed his competitive skills through off-road racing, where he earned recognition for his aggressive driving style, exceptional car control and ability to compete in demanding conditions. His transition to stock car racing proved equally successful, culminating in the 2018 ARCA Menards Series championship.

In 2020, Creed captured the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship, adding another national title to his racing résumé. His Truck Series success included multiple victories and established him as one of NASCAR's most promising young competitors.

Since advancing to NASCAR's second-highest national series, Creed has continued developing his skills while competing against some of the sport's most experienced drivers. His determination, versatility, and competitive approach have made him a consistent contender for victories and championships.

In 2026, Creed has emerged as a championship contender with Haas Factory Team, demonstrating the speed and resilience necessary to compete at NASCAR's highest levels as he continues pursuing his long-term racing goals.

About Haas Factory Team

Haas Factory Team is a professional NASCAR racing organization founded by industrialist and motorsports entrepreneur Gene Haas. Based in Kannapolis, North Carolina, the organization carries forward the competitive legacy and technical expertise established through Haas's long-standing involvement in American stock car racing.

The team competes in NASCAR's national series, committed to engineering excellence, driver development, and performance. Its racing operations combine experienced personnel, advanced technology, and strategic partnerships designed to deliver competitive results on the track.

Haas Factory Team fields the No. 00 Chevrolet driven by Sheldon Creed in the NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series. Under the leadership of Gene Haas and Joe Custer, the organization continues to build a competitive program focused on race victories, championship contention, and long-term success.

The team's relationships with corporate partners, manufacturers, and technical organizations support its racing efforts and give partners a platform to connect with NASCAR's passionate fan base.

About Road Ranger

Road Ranger is a growing travel center and convenience retail company serving professional truck drivers, travelers, and families along major highways and interstate corridors throughout the United States. With locations concentrated in the Midwest and Southwest, Road Ranger has established a reputation for providing convenient, dependable services to customers on the move.

Its travel centers offer a variety of products and amenities, including gasoline, diesel fuel, food and beverage options, convenience merchandise, and services designed to meet the needs of commercial drivers and everyday motorists.

Road Ranger's commitment to customer service, operational efficiency, and continued growth has helped the company develop a recognizable presence in the travel center industry.

Through its partnership with Sheldon Creed and Haas Factory Team, Road Ranger connects its brand with NASCAR's national audience while supporting a competitive racing program that reflects the company's emphasis on performance, reliability and determination.

For more information, visit www.roadrangerusa.com.

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