Autodesk to Sponsor Custer in Texas Playoff Race

By Seth Eggert, Staff Writer

Stewart-Haas Racing’s technical partner, Autodesk, will be promoted to the role of primary sponsor of Cole Custer at Texas Motor Speedway. The November 3rd running of the O’Reilly Auto Parts 300 will mark the first race in which the company will serve as a primary sponsor in the NASCAR Xfinity Series.

Autodesk’s Power Inspect software has been used to analyze Stewart-Haas Racing with Biagi Denbeste’s fleet of racecars in both the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series, as well as the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Autodesk is a leader in software applications for multiple industries including architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media and entertainment.

The software company has been credited with a significant role in SHR’s 12 victories this season, 10 in the Premier Series and two in the Xfinity Series.

“Autodesk is more than just a sponsor – they’re a key asset in making our cars faster each weekend,” said Mike Verlander, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, SHR. “Our success, especially this year, can be directly attributable to Autodesk and its technical support.”

Custer has three starts at the Fort Worth, Texas track. In all three starts, the 20-year-old finished inside the top-five. Custer’s best finish on the 1.5-Mile Oval is a fourth-place earlier this season.

When Autodesk adorns Custer’s No. 00 Ford Mustang, it will be in the Round of Eight for the 2018 Playoffs. The second-year Xfinity Series driver has already clinched a spot in the Round of 12 based on points. Although Custer is currently second in the Championship Points Standings heading into the Regular Season finale at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, he is tied for sixth among Playoff Points earned.

“Motorsports is a great showcase for our manufacturing software, and in working with Stewart-Haas Racing, we see firsthand how our technology helps the team turn a creative idea into a tangible component that ultimately delivers wins,” said Joe Bailey, Business Development Manager for Manufacturing, Autodesk. “We’re proud to play a role in the team’s success.”