There have been several talents in the world of racing over the years, from drivers utterly dominating the sport for years like Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon to generational talents like Kyle Larson. On the other hand, the brutal nature of the sport does not entertain lapses. Over the years, the sport has also witnessed numerous young prospects choke on the track just because of the unbearable weight of expectation.
Cole Custer is a NASCAR driver who has had a downfall. The now Xfinity Series full-timer after trying his luck in the Cup Series for 3 brief years has yet again underperformed at the last minute as the community reveals their concern.
The Stewart-Haas Racing driver, despite his decent performance at ALSCO 300, could only manage the third as JR Motorsports driver, Justin Allgaier, seemed unstoppable. More recently, at the ARCA Menards race at the coveted Portland International Raceway, Tony Stewart‘s NASCAR flopped, making a mistake at the final lap.
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SHR Prodigy and Tony Stewart’s Driver Chokes in the Late Laps at Portland
Motorsports, in general, is quite an intimidating arena. While the sheer thrill and excitement of going all out on a racetrack seem enjoyable and fun, the level of competition these races nowadays offer is just staggering. Competing against fierce and hungry drivers while delivering the fans’ expectations has now become a hard nut to crack for many skilled drivers.
With that being said, the ARCA Menards race at PIR just substantiated the struggle of Cole Custer. Despite being in the division for many years, Custer has never been able to deliver the hype he promised. While his occasional top performances, like the 2017 Ford Ecoboost 300 Xfinity win at Homestead, have earned him a fierce reputation, his recent ordeals have been disappointing ones.
WHAT. A. RACE.@landenlewis99 gets it done at @portlandraceway. 🏁
Watch the wild last lap. 🤯 pic.twitter.com/TKWIPlQjIk
— ARCA Menards Series (@ARCA_Racing) June 3, 2023
Yesterday’s race at Portland just proves this very aspect. The race was a total banger as Landen Lewis and Custer went neck and neck for the finish. But eager SHR fans were quickly let down as Custer lost his lead in the final lap of the race.
As the winner, Landen Lewis celebrated his emphatic win, and the #55 Ford could only be content with a second as he went off the track in the final minutes of the race. Disappointed fans could only vent their frustrations online as the community actively discussed the driver’s downfall.
Fans Discuss the Driver’s Downfall While Inspecting His NASCAR Resume
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Much like every other driver, Custer also began his racing career in the local Southern race tracks of the country. He then transitioned into the NASCAR Camping Truck Series in 2014 at Martinsville Speedway. That fine day also etched Custer’s name in NASCAR history books as the rookie set the lap on fire with a 136.426 miles per hour lap speed, becoming the youngest pole winner in NASCAR history.
After climbing into the Xfinity Series, Custer joined Dale Earnhardt Jr’s JR Motorsports, debuting in 2016. He then joined the SHR team later that year as he drove the #00 Ford.
Even his recent ALSCO 300 was spoiled, as could only manage third place. And following his ARCA run, fans have actively dived into discussions online while the driver is still struggling to find his rhythm.
Awesome finish to the ARCA Portland Race tonight.
by u/dj88masterchief in NASCAR
Reflecting on his rather dull Cup Series career with just one win, a fan on Reddit wrote, “Those years in cup and getting demoted has mentally destroyed Custer.”
“My man Custer can’t even win ARCA west races anymore”
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“Portland has provided great races for years, Pacific Northwest residents know what I’m talking about. Glad others can see this. I feel for Custer here. Ouch. I do believe he will be competitive tomorrow in Xfinity.”
Other fans also said, “Cole Custer needs to get his mojo back”
“Landen Lewis did a great job there more than Cole messing up imo, also what the hell was that between the 15 and 50???”
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WATCH THIS STORY: Tony Stewart’s NASCAR driver gets fans’ support as he bluntly reveals his reason for pushing the 23Xl driver.
While yesterday’s race was grim for Custer, the SHR team President, Joe Custer’s son, and the once-promising prospect still has time and age on his side.