Haas Factory Team is set to field a third entry in the 2027 NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, a move that underscores the organization’s ambition to deepen its presence in a championship that has become a proving ground for emerging talent.
The new car will be driven by Dean Thompson, a 24‑year‑old Californian who has spent the past two seasons competing full‑time for Sam Hunt Racing. Thompson arrives after a rookie campaign that yielded a top‑five finish and ten top‑tens in 57 starts, as well as a respectable record of two top‑fives and eleven top‑tens in 70 Truck Series outings.
A Sponsor‑Driven Surge
Thompson’s climb is bolstered by partnerships with Thompson Pipe Group and MCM Transportation, deals that not only provide financial backing but also highlight the driver’s marketability within the sport’s growing commercial ecosystem.
Joe Custer, president of Haas Factory Team, praised the addition, stating that Thompson’s proven track record and hunger for victory align perfectly with the team’s vision of challenging for wins and a championship in his sophomore full‑time season.
Haas’s expansion builds on a recent surge of success since the split from Stewart‑Haas Racing in 2025. The organization has already captured three O'Reilly Series victories and a 2023 driver’s title with Cole Custer, and it continues to field a full‑time Cup Series entry for Custer in the No. 41 Chevrolet.
For Thompson, the opportunity represents more than a seat in a competitive lineup; it is a chance to cement his status as a future star while honoring his California roots and the mentors who have shaped his career.