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NASCAR Xfinity Series Playoff driver Cole Custer got his first taste of competition in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series this year, driving a car fielded by owner Rick Ware at Las Vegas in March and at Pocono in June.
Custer finished 25th and 26th, respectively, in the two races, but he believes that experience will help him immensely as he seeks his first Xfinity title.
The most valuable lesson he learned?
“Driving cars that are harder to drive than the Xfinity cars,” Custer said. “Once you drive something that’s harder to drive, it makes you feel like Superman when you go back into the slower cars. I’d say that’s the biggest thing.
“Also, the Cup cars are so touchy to drive. They’re very, very hard. So I think you learn more when you drive those cars.”
Custer also has gained confidence exponentially in his second season as an Xfinity driver, and his second year with Ford.
“Last year we were just thrashing to get to the race track with the new Xfinity team and then also switching over to Ford,” Custer said. “It was definitely a little bit tough the first year but now that we’re in a rhythm.
“We have all the tools that they provide, (and that has) helped us a lot—especially the simulator. Having the second year has helped us a ton.”