NASCAR Cup Series

Custer, turning 16 this week, to run limited Truck schedule

Published Jan. 20, 2014 8:56 a.m. ET

foxsports

Cole Custer will get more than his driver's license when he turns 16 on Thursday.

The talented youngster from Ladera Ranch, Calif., has earned a part-time ride in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series with Haas Racing Development.

Custer will race the No. 00 Chevy Silverado in nine races in 2014. He'll make his debut at Martinsville Speedway in the Kroger 250 on March 29.

Custer finished eighth in the K&N Pro Series points standings last year, driving for Ken Schrader Racing on the K&N Pro Series East Tour. The 15-year-old rookie won two races from the pole - at Iowa Speedway and New Hampshire Motor Speedway. He led every lap in the Iowa race. Custer nearly repeated the feat in the K&N West season finale until he was turned by Gray Gaulding in the final corner on the last lap. Custer recovered and finished sixth.

While Custer's trucks will be fielded by HRD, he'll have the benefit of Hendrick engines and Turner Scott Motorsports chassis. Joe Shear Jr. will work as his crew chief.