Originally reporters by Adam Stern of the Sports Business Journal, Racing Refresh can confirm that Ford Racing driver Ryan Preece will assume driving duties of the #41 Stewart Haas Racing Ford Mustang in the NASCAR Cup Series beginning in the 2023 season.
Preece, who formerly raced in Cup for JTG Daugherty Racing has raced on a part time basis in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series and has been long rumored as the next driver of the 41 Cup team. He is represented by Kevin Harvick Management group and has been involved with the team's strategy during the Covid 19 pandemic. Preece's sponsor has yet to be confirmed but it is easy to assume that HAAS Automation, which is owned by SHR co-owner Gene Haas will be involved.
The former driver of the 41 team, Cole Custer, who's lone win came at Kentucky in 2021 will be moved to an Xfinity ride affiliated with the team. News of wages, schedule, and sponsors for Custer have not been made public at this time.
Reports from AP's Jenna Fryer dropped earlier this fall indicating that a dispute between SHR co-owners Gene Haas and Tony Stewart regarding the future driver in the 41 Ford were unsettled. This news now confirms one of the few remaining seats of the second season in NASCAR Next Gen racing.