Cole Custer celebrates his K&N Pro Series East victory Saturday at Richmond International Raceway. (Photo: Getty Images for NASCAR)
A day after being announced as a member of the NASCAR Next program, Cole Custer showed why those in the sport see his future as bright.
Custer took the lead on lap 49 from pole sitter Nick Drake and led the rest of the way in winning the NASCAR K&N Pro Series East Blue Ox 100 at Richmond (Va.) International Raceway.
It was the third series victory in 16 K&N Pro Series East starts for the Ladera Ranch, Calif. driver.
Ben Rhodes of Louisville was second and Drake, of Mooresville, N.C. was third.
Dave Garbo Jr. of Stonington was 16th. Scott Heckert of Ridgefield was 18th. The race was originally scheduled for Friday evening in Richmond but was rained out.
Custer was one of 12 drivers announced Friday in Richmond as part of the NASCAR Next program. The program is an initiative by NASCAR to spotlight rising stars in stock car racing and help mold them for futures at the higher levels of the sport.
Drivers between the ages of 15-25 competing in any NASCAR regional touring division or at a NASCAR sanctioned short track, as well as first year drivers in the Nationwide Series or Camping World Truck Series are eligible for selection in the program. The participants are selected through a voting process by a group of motorsports industry personnel selected by NASCAR.
Participants in the group will make appearances representing NASCAR at numerous events over the next 12 months, while also being involved in specialized training to prepare them for a future at the higher levels of NASCAR.
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