Sheldon Creed will move to Sam Hunt Racing for the 2027 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season. The series veteran will pilot the No. 26 Toyota GR Supra in 2027 and beyond.
Sheldon Creed’s NOAPS Journey
Sheldon Creed is an O’Reilly veteran, racing in the series full-time since 2022. He started his full-time career at Richard Childress Racing and raced there until 2023. He moved to Joe Gibbs Racing where he spent one season with the team before moving to Haas Factory Team for 2025.
2026 has been a career season for Creed. All three of his series victories have occurred this season, and he will likely surpass his career best points finish of sixth. Additionally, the 29-year-old leads the standings by eleven points over Justin Allgaier with six races to go in the season.
“I couldn’t be more excited to join Sam Hunt Racing in 2027 and to chase trophies alongside Kris Bowen as my crew chief. 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 said. “Each year SHR continues to make strides, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to continue to help grow the organization. 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.”
Notably, Creed has improved statistically with every team he’s driven for. He failed to make the postseason at RCR his rookie season, began contending for wins his second season at RCR and at JGR, and is now winning consistently and contending for the championship at HFT.
Sam Hunt Racing’s Past
Sam Hunt Racing has been full-time in the O’Reilly Series since 2021. Their first two seasons saw the No. 26 as a rotational entry between various different drivers. In those two seasons, the team earned three top-5s, all with John Hunter Nemechek behind the wheel.
In 2023, the organization hired two full-time drivers in Kaz Grala for the No. 26 and Connor Mosack in the No. 24. For the next two seasons, SHR would shrink back down to one entry with Dean Thompson joining the organization full-time in 2025 to pilot the No. 26. Now, this season, the No. 24 made its full-time return with Harrison Burton behind the wheel.
Looking towards the future, Creed’s trend of improving with every new team will be welcome at SHR, as the team has stagnated in the midfield. The No. 26 has finished 18th or 19th in owner points every season since 2022, and currently sits 19th.
“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. He’s a racer in the purest form, a winner, and a rockstar husband, father, and friend.”
“This move is years in the making, and I’m proud to be able to sign Sheldon to a deal that allows him to grow both on and off the track,” Hunt continued. We’re grateful to the partners that have helped make this happen, as well as the continued support from Toyota Racing and TRD. We look forward to watching Sheldon and his team compete for a championship this fall and wish them nothing but the best in these final six races.”
Silly Season Implications
Haas Factory Team will see zero returning drivers in 2026. Mayer will leave for JR Motorsports and Creed has left for SHR. Their only confirmed driver, Dean Thompson, will drive a third entry for the team.
Information regarding both SHR’s No. 24 and HFT’s No. 00 and 41 entries will be announced at a later time.
