The Henry Repeating Arms logo and orange paint scheme crossed the finish line 10th in the CTECH Manufacturing 180—Sunday’s NASCAR Xfinity Series race at Road America in Elkhart Lake, WI—on the No. 00 Ford Mustang driven by Cole Custer. Twenty-six competitors were on the lead lap when the checkered flag flew, although qualifying fourth ensured the famed firearm manufacturer received plenty of pre-race coverage during NBC Sports’ live coverage.
Custer added to the exposure by later tweeting to his thousands of fans, “After everything that happened today I was happy with a top 10 @roadamerica. Had a really fast car! Wish we could of (sic) gotten @HenryRifles a win!”
Before the race Anthony Imperato, president and owner of Henry Repeating Arms, explained why the Steward Haas Racing with Fred Biagi team sponsorship was ideal for the company. “Cole Custer is having a banner season and we can’t wait to see him behind the wheel of the Henry Ford Mustang at our home track,” he said. “American-made Haas Automation CNC machines are a mainstay at both of our facilities in Bayonne, NJ, and Rice Lake, WI, so this is a strong partnership of guns and gears that’s sure to put on a good show.” Henry produces centerfire rifles and shotguns at its 138,000-square-foot facility in Rice Lake WI, less than 300 miles from Road America.
Custer, from Ladera Ranch, CA, is only 21-years old and one of the rising stars in the racing series. This year he’s accumulated five wins and five pole positions, qualifying him in the NASCAR Playoffs for the third straight season. He now has three top-10 finishes at Road America in the Xfinity Series.
Sunday’s race took place on a road course that consists of 14 turns and four miles per lap. “Road America is a true test of a driver’s skills and I’m very confident that my previous experiences at this track, my SHR team, and the Henry Repeating Arms Ford Mustang gives me a package for success at this year’s race,” Custer said before the green flag.
