Haas Factory Team adds Thompson for third O’Reilly Series car in 2027
NXTbets Pro | Published On: August 9, 2026
Haas Factory Team expands
Haas Factory Team will expand to a three-car NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series program in 2027, and Dean Thompson will take on the newest seat. Team president Joe Custer announced the move at Iowa Speedway, putting a clear next step in place for a team that already has a strong base in the series. Haas Factory Team currently fields two full-time O’Reilly cars in 2026 for Sheldon Creed and Sam Mayer, and the new deal gives the organization a third full-time entry without changing its commitment to a single-car Cup Series operation with Cole Custer.
The third car will run as a Chevrolet, with Thompson Pipe Group and MCM Transportation serving as the primary partners. The move extends Haas Factory Team’s reach in the O’Reilly series and gives it another full-time driver to develop over the next several seasons. The team has built its current program around Creed and Mayer, and the addition of Thompson adds another piece to a growing lineup as Haas Factory Team continues to build its presence in stock car racing. The expansion also shows the group is still investing in its NASCAR ladder program while keeping its Cup effort steady.
Dean Thompson joins
Dean Thompson joins Haas Factory Team at 24 after spending his second full-time season with Sam Hunt Racing. The move gives him a new opportunity in a larger program and comes with a multi-year deal that points to long-term confidence from the team. Thompson said his long relationship with Joe Custer and Cole Custer helped open the door to the opportunity, and he said he is excited to join Haas Factory Team and compete for wins and a championship. For Haas Factory Team, the signing brings in a young driver who already has steady series experience and a clear connection to the organization behind the deal.
Joe Custer said Thompson has shown strong progression, and the numbers back up that view. Thompson has posted two top-10 finishes this year, and his best result came with a sixth-place finish at Talladega in April. That kind of form gives Haas Factory Team a driver who has already shown he can run near the front on the right day. The team also gets a racer who has spent time building his stock in one of NASCAR’s national touring series rather than jumping straight into a new seat without background.
Thompson career stats
Dean Thompson’s record gives Haas Factory Team a solid foundation to work with when the 2027 season arrives. He has made 57 career starts in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, with one top-five finish and 10 top-10 finishes. Those results show a driver who has been in the mix often enough to matter, while still leaving room for more growth as he steps into a bigger role. His current season has already added two more top-10s to that resume, and his sixth-place finish at Talladega stands as his best run of the year.
Thompson also brings Truck Series experience to the new ride. He competed in the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series from 2022 to 2024, making 70 starts and collecting 11 top-10 finishes. That background adds depth to his profile and gives Haas Factory Team a driver with experience across two of NASCAR’s national series. The combination of O’Reilly series mileage, Truck Series starts and a multi-year contract makes Thompson a long-range addition for a team that is clearly preparing for a broader future.
