Sheldon Creed (born September 30, 1997) is an American professional stock car racing driver who competes full-time in the NASCAR Xfinity Series for the Haas Factory Team, driving the No. 00 Ford Mustang.[1][2] Known as "The Showstopper," Creed is a 2020 NASCAR Truck Series champion, the 2018 ARCA Menards Series champion, and a two-time Stadium Super Trucks champion with a series-record 39 victories.[3][4][1][4]Born in El Cajon, California, Creed began his racing career at age three in BMX before transitioning to motocross at age six, where he secured two championships.[4] He later excelled in off-road racing, amassing 25 wins and five championships in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS) across various classes.[4] His off-road prowess peaked in the Stadium Super Trucks (SST) series, where he claimed back-to-back titles in 2015 and 2016 alongside his record win total.[4] Transitioning to stock cars in 2017, Creed debuted in series like Trans-Am and the ARCA Menards Series, culminating in his 2018 ARCA championship with four wins and 18 top-10 finishes in 20 starts.[4][1] He advanced to the NASCAR Truck Series in 2019 with GMS Racing, earning Rookie of the Year honors before clinching the 2020 title with five victories, four pole positions, nine top fives, and 13 top 10s.[4] Since 2022, Creed has raced full-time in the Xfinity Series, initially with Richard Childress Racing and Joe Gibbs Racing, before joining Haas Factory Team for the 2025 season under crew chief Jonathan Toney.[4][1]
Early life and beginnings
Early life
Sheldon Creed was born on September 30, 1997, in Alpine, California, a small community in San Diego County known for its proximity to off-road racing venues. He grew up primarily in nearby El Cajon, also in Southern California, where the region's vibrant motorsports culture provided an early backdrop to his life.[5][6]Creed's family played a pivotal role in fostering his passion for racing, offering full support from a young age in an environment steeped in automotive enthusiasm. His father, Scott Creed, was involved in his son's racing endeavors. This familial backing, combined with exposure to local racing events in the San Diego area, immersed Creed in the world of motorsports during his formative years.[7]To balance his burgeoning interest in racing with formal education, Creed initially attended El Capitan High School in Lakeside, California, as a senior in 2016. He later transitioned to home-schooling to accommodate his competitive schedule, ensuring he completed his high school graduation in 2017. This flexibility allowed him to pursue early racing opportunities without interruption.[8][9]Creed's upbringing in this motorsports-rich Southern California setting sparked his initial foray into racing, beginning with BMX at age three.[4]
BMX and motocross
Sheldon Creed began his racing career in BMX at the age of three in 2000, competing at local tracks in the El Cajon, California area, including the San Diego BMX track.[4] His early involvement in BMX under the USA BMX sanctioning body allowed him to progress from novice classes to regional competitions, where he achieved podium finishes. These experiences introduced Creed to structured racing formats and helped develop his initial bike handling and competitive instincts on dirt tracks.[7]At age six in 2003, Creed transitioned to motocross, racing mini-motorcycles at regional California tracks like Barona MX Park near Lakeside.[10] By 2005, at age seven turning eight, he won two championships at Barona MX Park, marking his first major titles in the sport.[11][10] His success led to an invitation to the national-level KTM Jr. Supercross Challenge series, where he competed in events like the 2006 San Diego round, finishing second overall at age eight.[12][11]Creed's time in BMX and motocross built essential foundational skills, including precise bike control on uneven terrain and a resilient competitive mindset, which proved instrumental in his later racing endeavors.[7] These youth-level achievements in the early 2000s, primarily at local and regional venues in Southern California, honed his agility and racecraft before shifting focus around age ten.[4]
Off-road racing career
Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series
Sheldon Creed began his competitive career in the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS) in 2009 at the age of 11, debuting in the junior kart classes after success in motocross and BMX racing. That inaugural season marked a strong start, as he secured championships in both the Junior 1 Kart and Modified Kart divisions, becoming the third driver in series history to win multiple class titles in a single year and accumulating several podium finishes along the way.[13][14] Creed progressed through the kart ranks with support from Team Associated/RC10.COM, winning the Junior 2 Kart championship in 2010 by dominating multiple rounds, including repeat victories in Las Vegas.[15] In 2011, he claimed another kart title while transitioning toward unlimited classes, showcasing consistent top-three finishes that solidified his early reputation.[16]Creed's ascent to professional divisions began in 2011 with a debut in the Super Lite class at age 14, where he immediately won Round 14 at Speedworld Offroad Park, signaling his potential in truck-based short-course racing. He captured the 2012 Super Lite championship, driving a custom-built truck sponsored by Traxxas and earning the title with a series of strong performances, including multiple podiums despite mechanical challenges earlier in the season.[17] By 2013, Creed stepped up to the highly competitive Pro Lite Unlimited class for his first full professional season, supported by former LOORRS race director Tony Vanilo and sponsors like The Fab School and Hoosier Racing Tire, finishing second in points with notable victories such as Round 11 at Reno-Fernley Raceway.[18] He clinched the 2014 Pro Lite Unlimited championship, achieving 11 podiums across 15 rounds and wrapping up the title at the season finale in Lake Elsinore, California, in a truck prepared by his family-run team.[19] These five championships—spanning karts and pro trucks—highlighted his versatility across vehicle types, from agile 250cc karts to high-powered, tube-frame Pro Lite trucks capable of speeds over 80 mph on dirt ovals and jumps.Throughout his LOORRS tenure from 2009 to 2014, Creed amassed 25 career wins, establishing dominance in short-course off-road with season summaries often featuring double-digit podiums and minimal finishes outside the top five.[4] Key victories included repeat wins in kart classes during 2009-2011, the 2012 Super Lite title-clinching race at Firebird International Raceway, and multiple 2014 Pro Lite triumphs, such as sweeping rounds in Chandler, Arizona.[17] His progression from junior karts to pro trucks, often under the banner of family-operated efforts backed by sponsors like RC10 and Traxxas, underscored a rapid development that earned him acclaim as a prodigy in the sport.[7][11] By age 17, Creed's LOORRS success had positioned him as one of the youngest multiple-class champions in short-course history, paving the way for broader off-road opportunities.[18]
Stadium Super Trucks
Sheldon Creed entered the Stadium Super Trucks (SST) series in 2014 as a driver for Team Traxxas, competing in the full 16-race schedule and securing three victories en route to a runner-up finish in the championship standings.[20] His early performances highlighted his adaptability to the series' high-speed, spectacle-oriented format, which often served as support events for major road racing weekends like the Grand Prix circuits. Sponsored primarily by Traxxas throughout his SST tenure, Creed collaborated closely with the team to optimize truck setups for the unique demands of urban and stadium-based courses.[21]Creed's breakthrough came in 2015, when he captured the SST championship with multiple wins, including a gold medal performance at the X Games in Austin, Texas.[22] He defended the title successfully in 2016, again securing the drivers' championship while amassing key victories such as a weekend sweep at the Grand Prix of Long Beach and an opening-round win at the Adelaide 500 in Australia.[23][24] These back-to-back championships established Creed as a dominant force in the series, with his Traxxas-backed No. 1 truck frequently leading from pole to checkered flag in high-profile support races.[25]From 2017 to 2019, Creed maintained a selective SST schedule amid his growing commitments in stock car racing, yet he delivered consistent results including victories in the 2017 Detroit Grand Prix support races (sweeping the weekend) and a win at Perth in Australia, as well as strong finishes in other international events.[9] These appearances underscored his versatility, finishing fifth in the 2017 points standings while competing abroad.[26]The SST series demanded exceptional skill in executing aerial maneuvers, with 600-horsepower V8-powered trucks launching over ramps to achieve flights exceeding 50 feet, followed by precise landings amid tight corners and obstacles.[27] Creed excelled in these elements, often engaging in wheel-to-wheel battles that showcased dramatic jumps and recoveries, such as tandem drafting and mid-air adjustments during international races.[28] Over his SST career, he accumulated 39 wins—the most in series history as of 2025—along with numerous podiums that solidified his legacy in this off-road spectacle.[29]
Rally raid and desert racing
Following his successes in short-course off-road racing, Sheldon Creed entered desert racing in 2014 by assisting Robby Gordon during the SCORE Baja 1000, taking over driving duties in the No. 77 Speed Energy Formula Off-Road truck after early mechanical setbacks for the team.[30] Despite the vehicle's adaptations for endurance, including reinforced suspension and high-capacity fuel systems suited for the Baja Peninsula's rugged terrain, the team encountered persistent issues and failed to challenge the leaders, marking Creed's initial exposure to the logistical demands of multi-day desert navigation and remote repairs.[30]Creed's international debut came in the 2016 Dakar Rally, where at age 18 he became the youngest competitor in the event's history, piloting the No. 313 Toyo Tires/KMC Wheels Gordini prototype—a high-speed truck (HST) adapted with a turbocharged Gordini engine, advanced GPS navigation, and reinforced chassis for the 13-stage, over-5,000-mile challenge across Argentina and Bolivia.[31] Teamed with navigator Jonah Street under Robby Gordon's Speed Energy squad, Creed showed promise in early stages, finishing 33rd in Stage 2 after a cautious run on sandy tracks and dunes, and advancing to 21st in the demanding 334-mile Stage 7 despite starting 38th following aid to his teammate.[32] However, clutch failure and getting stuck in Stage 8 forced him to bypass waypoints to reach a repair point, resulting in disqualification by ASO officials just past the rally's midpoint, highlighting the event's unforgiving rules on route adherence and the physical toll of extended desert exposure.[33][34]Creed continued in the SCORE International series with further Baja 1000 attempts, driving the No. 2974 Arctic Cat UTV in 2016 alongside Todd Romano and Robby Gordon, but recording a DNF after zero miles due to early mechanical failure in the Pro UTV Forced Induction class.[35] These experiences underscored the adaptations required for desert vehicles, such as enhanced cooling for extreme heat and tire compounds for variable sand and rock, while emphasizing learning from DNFs in preparation for endurance demands.
Transition to stock car racing
Regional series and ARCA Menards Series
Creed began his transition from off-road racing to pavement stock cars in 2016, initially testing an ARCA car at Kansas Speedway while adapting to the demands of enclosed-wheel vehicles on asphalt tracks, a shift that required him to refine his handling techniques after years of open-wheel and dirt experience.[36][37]In 2017, Creed competed in NASCAR's regional development series, running four races in the K&N Pro Series East division for MDM Motorsports at New Smyrna Speedway (19th), Bristol Motor Speedway (11th), New Hampshire Motor Speedway (5th), and Dover Motor Speedway (4th), finishing 17th in points. In the K&N Pro Series West, he ran two races, finishing 2nd at Orange Show Speedway and 9th at Sonoma Raceway, placing approximately 22nd in points. These appearances allowed Creed to gain familiarity with stock car setups on both short tracks and road courses.[1][38][39][40]Creed returned to the K&N Pro Series West in 2018 for a single event on the dirt configuration at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where his off-road background proved advantageous as he secured his first series victory in the Star Nursery 100, holding off a late charge from Hailie Deegan in overtime. This win highlighted his versatility in blending dirt and pavement skills during his early stock car development.[41][42]That same year, Creed committed to a full-time schedule in the ARCA Menards Series with MDM Motorsports, piloting the No. 28 Toyota sponsored by United Rentals. He dominated the season, clinching the championship with four victories—including at Michigan International Speedway, Gateway Motorsports Park, Iowa Speedway, and a title-sealing win in the Kansas ARCA 150—while achieving 16 top-five and 18 top-10 finishes in 20 starts. His performance also earned him the General Tire Superspeedway Challenge title and four pole positions, demonstrating rapid adaptation to high-speed oval racing.[1][36][43][44]In 2017, prior to his full-time ARCA campaign, Creed ran a partial schedule of 13 ARCA Menards Series races with MDM Motorsports, earning four top-five finishes and seven top-10s, with a best finish of 2nd at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Following his ARCA title, Creed ran a partial ARCA schedule in 2019 amid his move to full-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competition with GMS Racing. He finished second at Charlotte Motor Speedway after recovering from a late-race penalty and competed again at Kansas Speedway, placing 10th in that season finale. These outings maintained his momentum and further solidified his pavement racing credentials.[1][45][46]Creed's successes in the K&N Pro Series and ARCA Menards Series provided a strong foundation for his NASCAR advancement, showcasing his ability to compete at a national level and attracting attention from top teams.[47]
Initial stock car achievements
Creed's transition from off-road racing to stock cars presented significant challenges, particularly in adapting to oval track dynamics after years of excelling in dirt-based disciplines like motocross and stadium trucks. He first tested an ARCA car at Kansas Speedway on his 18th birthday in September 2016, struggling initially to find balance on asphalt surfaces that demanded precise weight transfer and sustained cornering speeds unlike the jumps and loose surfaces of off-road.[36] Despite these hurdles, Creed made his ARCA Menards Series debut in 2017 at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway, starting 12th and finishing 6th in the No. 38 entry for Lira Motorsports.In his partial 2017 ARCA season, Creed ran 13 starts, securing four top-five finishes and seven top-10s. These efforts built momentum for his full-time 2018 campaign with MDM Motorsports in the No. 28 Toyota, backed by primary sponsor United Rentals. That year, he dominated with four victories—including at Michigan International Speedway, Iowa Speedway, Gateway Motorsports Park, and Kansas Speedway—along with 16 top-five and 18 top-10 finishes in 20 starts, clinching the series championship by 1,575 points over teammate Zane Smith.[43][48]Creed also captured the General Tire Pole Award with four poles in his first four starts of the season and the General Tire Superspeedway Challenge title, highlighting his rapid adaptation and qualifying prowess.[49][50]As his ARCA success drew attention, Creed made notable one-off appearances in NASCAR's national series prior to full-time commitment. He debuted in the Camping World Truck Series in 2016 at Eldora Speedway's Dirt Derby, driving the No. 02 Chevrolet for Young's Motorsports and finishing 27th after starting 19th.[1] In 2018, following his ARCA title, he ran four Truck Series events with GMS Racing in the No. 28 Chevrolet—debuting at Martinsville Speedway (finishing 18th), followed by Texas Motor Speedway (11th), Phoenix Raceway (24th), and Homestead-Miami Speedway (22nd)—supported by sponsors including Mobil 1 and United Rentals.[22] These outings, combined with his ARCA dominance, positioned him as a rising prodigy and led to a full-time Truck Series ride with GMS in 2019, where United Rentals expanded as a key partner.[51]
NASCAR career
Craftsman Truck Series
Sheldon Creed began his full-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series career in 2019 with GMS Racing, driving the No. 2 Chevrolet. Competing in all 23 races that season, he achieved 11 top-10 finishes and four top-five results, culminating in a 10th-place points finish. This rookiecampaign marked a solid transition from his off-road background, showcasing his adaptability to stock car racing on ovals and road courses alike.[52]In 2020, Creed elevated his performance dramatically, securing the series championship in his second full-time season with GMS Racing. He notched five victories— at Kentucky Speedway, Daytona International Speedway road course, World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway, Texas Motor Speedway (fall race), and the championship-clinching win at Phoenix Raceway—while leading 587 laps across the season.[53] These results propelled him to the playoffs, where he dominated the finale with a bold tire strategy during overtime to edge out teammates and rivals, establishing himself as a championship-caliber driver at age 23. His five wins led the series that year, highlighting his growth in racecraft and consistency with 17 top-10 finishes in 23 starts.[52][54][55]Creed returned to GMS Racing for the 2021 season, where he added three more wins to his resume, bringing his career total to eight. Key victories included the spring race at Darlington Raceway, the playoff opener at World Wide Technology Raceway, and the Round of 12 contest at Darlington, where he swept the track's events that year. Despite strong playoff runs, including back-to-back wins to open the postseason, he encountered near-misses in later rounds, such as a close battle with John Hunter Nemechek at Darlington, finishing third in the final standings with 12 top-fives and 16 top-10s in 22 starts. These performances underscored rivalries with drivers like Nemechek and Zane Smith, while demonstrating Creed's prowess on short tracks and road courses.[56][57][58][59]Following his Truck Series tenure, Creed shifted focus to the NASCAR Xfinity Series full-time in 2022 with Richard Childress Racing, but made a one-off appearance in the Trucks at Circuit of the Americas driving the No. 20 Chevrolet for Young’s Motorsports. He earned the pole position but finished 35th after a late-race incident, reflecting the challenges of limited preparation amid his primary commitments elsewhere. Over his four seasons in the Truck Series (2019–2021 full-time plus the 2022 start), Creed amassed eight wins, multiple playoff berths, and a championship, solidifying his reputation as one of the series' rising stars before ascending to higher divisions.[60]
Xfinity Series
Creed joined Joe Gibbs Racing for a full-time schedule in the 2024 NASCAR Xfinity Series, driving the No. 18 Toyota Supra sponsored by Friends of Jaclyn Foundation.[1] In this capacity, he notched multiple top-five finishes that demonstrated his adaptability to the series' competitive ovals and road courses. These results positioned him strongly entering the playoffs, where he earned a 6th-place championship finish with 16 top-fives and 23 top-tens across 33 starts.[61]For the 2025 season, Creed transitioned to a full-time role with the newly formed Haas Factory Team, piloting the No. 00 Ford Mustang under crew chief Jonathan Toney.[6] The team, which also fields the No. 41 for teammate Sam Mayer, benefited from sponsorships like Pit Boss Grills, enabling competitive equipment and strategy development. Creed's campaign featured eight top-five finishes and 16 top-tens in 33 races, though marred by eight DNFs primarily due to mechanical issues and on-track incidents.[1] He clinched a playoff berth on points in September, finishing runner-up in the Round of 12 opener at Bristol Motor Speedway before advancing to the Round of 8, but was eliminated following a 34th-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway and a fourth-place at the Round of 8 finale at Martinsville Speedway. He closed the season with a top-10 finish at the championship race in Phoenix, ending 9th in the final points standings.[62]As of November 2025, Creed holds a career total of zero Xfinity Series wins, four poles, 131 starts, and 65 top-tens, reflecting his consistent contention without a championship. His tenure with Haas Factory Team emphasized teammate collaboration with Mayer, including shared setup data that improved both drivers' road course performances, while sponsor integrations like Pit Boss provided visibility through branded activations at races. Notably, Creed's "Silver Creed" moniker arose from a streak of multiple second-place finishes, including four in 2025 alone, underscoring his speed but highlighting areas for race-winning execution.[63]
Cup Series
Creed made his NASCAR Cup Series debut on September 10, 2023, driving the No. 78 Chevrolet for Live Fast Motorsports in the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway.[64] He qualified 34th out of 37 entrants and advanced to a 29th-place finish, completing all 400 laps without incident.[65] This performance marked a respectable introduction to the series' Next Gen car, which Creed described as a full learning experience on a track he viewed as relatively forgiving for newcomers.[66]Post-race, Creed reflected positively on the adaptation process, noting the car felt "the hottest I've been in a car all year" and that he gained valuable insights from running competitively for portions of the event.[67] Despite the challenges of limited practice time—only 20 minutes—he avoided being lapped and emphasized the debut's role in building familiarity with the series' demands.[66]As of November 2025, Creed's Cup Series participation remains limited to this single start, with no additional races in 2024 or 2025.[1] His career statistics include 1 start, 0 DNFs, and an average finish of 29.0.[68] Creed has voiced aspirations for more opportunities in the series, stating he wants to "earn" a full-time Cup ride through continued success in the Xfinity Series rather than pursuing one prematurely.[66]
Other racing endeavors
Trans Am and sprint cars
Creed expanded his racing portfolio in 2017 by entering the Trans-Am Series' TA2 class, debuting at Road Atlanta in May with the No. 12 Stevens-Miller Racing Dodge Challenger alongside fellow rookies. He followed this with a return to the series at the Detroit street circuit in June, balancing the commitment with his Stadium Super Trucks schedule where he ranked fourth in points with three wins in eight starts.[69][25]In August at Road America, Creed achieved his first TA2 victory during wet conditions in his fourth career start, piloting the No. 11 Speedlogix Dodge to hold off the field and secure what was then his inaugural professional auto racing triumph. This partial-season effort resulted in 92 points and a 14th-place finish in the TA2 standings for the Chase for the Trigon Trophy.[70][71][40]Demonstrating versatility beyond stock cars, Creed returned to sprint car racing in the California Lightning Sprint Car Series (CLS) following his 2020 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship win on November 6. He competed in the season's final events at Bakersfield Speedway and Perris Speedway later that month, marking his first dirt starts since a third-place main event finish at Barona Speedway in April 2019. These appearances highlighted his adaptation to the high-revving, 1200cc lightning sprint cars on short dirt ovals, allowing him to maintain skills from his early off-road background while celebrating the Truck title close to home in Southern California.[72][73]
One-off appearances and exhibitions
Creed has participated in several one-off dirt track events and exhibitions throughout his career, often in micro sprint cars, to maintain his off-road roots and enjoy competitive racing outside his primary NASCAR commitments. These appearances highlight his versatility and passion for grassroots motorsports, allowing him to compete in high-energy, short-track formats that differ from stock car racing.[74]In 2015, Creed made an international exhibition appearance with the Stadium Super Trucks series at the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide, Australia, where he experienced a dramatic rollover on the final lap but safely walked away, underscoring the series' high-risk, entertainment-focused nature. The following year, he returned to Australia for events at the Gold Coast 600, securing a victory in Race 3 by holding off a late challenge from Matt Brabham, which contributed to his season dominance in the series and demonstrated his adaptability to street circuits abroad.[75][76]Domestically, Creed ventured into winged micro sprint racing at Action Track USA during the Kutztown Fairgrounds event in July 2023, marking a return to Pennsylvania dirt tracks after a previous appearance there; he finished 17th in a preliminary feature at nearby Clinton County Speedway, expressing enjoyment in the informal, fun atmosphere that reminded him of his early racing days. In January 2025, he competed in the Tulsa Shootout at the Expo Square Pavilion in Tulsa, Oklahoma, a premier indoor micro sprint event, where he won three heat races in non-wing outlaw and non-wing A-class divisions before placing outside the top 10 in the mains due to on-track incidents, including a flip, but noted the week as a valuable family-oriented experience.[74][77][78]Later in 2025, Creed made multiple guest starts at Millbridge Speedway in Salisbury, North Carolina, including the winter series and summer events in non-wing micro sprints, achieving a 10th-place finish in an August feature and using the outings to test setups and stay sharp during the NASCAR offseason. That May, his wife, Cami Creed, debuted in the Better Half Dash karting exhibition at Trackhouse Motorplex in Mooresville, North Carolina—an event for partners of professional drivers—finishing competitively and marking a family milestone that Creed supported enthusiastically, blending personal life with racing culture. These sporadic outings not only provide Creed with adrenaline-fueled breaks from series racing but also reinforce his reputation as a multifaceted driver willing to tackle diverse challenges.[79][80][81]
Personal life
Family and relationships
Sheldon Creed married Cami Creed (née Parsons) in 2022.[82] The couple met during their college years, bonding over a mutual passion for motorsports.[83] Cami, born Camille Parsons in North Carolina, grew up immersed in racing culture due to her family's involvement in the sport; she is the daughter of former NASCAR driver and Fox Sports broadcaster Phil Parsons and the sister of stock car racer Stefan Parsons.[84]The Creeds have one son, Axel, born in June 2022.[85] In April 2024, the family welcomed a mini Goldendoodle named Pierce, expanding their household.[86]Cami plays a pivotal role in supporting Creed's demanding racing schedule, handling travel logistics, sponsor coordination, and maintaining a stable home environment to help balance his professional commitments with family life.[83] This support system has been instrumental in allowing Creed to focus on his career while nurturing family bonds. In May 2025, Cami participated in her first competitive race, the Better Half Dash charity event at Trackhouse Motorplex, where she finished second and raised funds for noble causes.[87]The Creed family values privacy, selectively sharing personal milestones to protect their home life amid the public nature of professional racing, though Cami's racing heritage has positively influenced Creed's career perspectives and resilience in the sport.[83]
Philanthropy
Sheldon Creed has focused his philanthropic efforts primarily on raising awareness and support for pediatric cancer initiatives, partnering with organizations that assist children and families affected by the disease. In 2024, during his inaugural NASCAR Xfinity Series season with Joe Gibbs Racing, Creed aligned with the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, which has supported over 1,000 families since 2005 through emotional and financial aid programs for pediatric brain tumor and cancer patients.[88][89] The foundation served as the primary sponsor for Creed's No. 18 Toyota GR Supra in the season-opening races at Daytona International Speedway and Atlanta Motor Speedway, marking its first such sponsorship in the Xfinity Series and highlighting Creed's commitment to leveraging his platform for cancer advocacy.[88]Creed's involvement expanded in 2025 with a full-season sponsorship from the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation on his No. 00 Ford Mustang for the Haas Factory Team, building on the prior year's efforts to provide ongoing visibility and resources for childhood cancer support.[90] This partnership included participation in the "Driving 4 a Difference" charity challenge, a four-race Xfinity Series event presented by the Gene Haas Foundation, where Creed represented the foundation alongside drivers supporting other causes; the top finisher's charity receives $20,000, with additional prizes totaling $50,000 distributed among participants to amplify impact.[91] Specific events, such as the BetRivers 200 at Dover Motor Speedway, featured tributes like honoring longtime foundation ambassador Jimmy McKeon—a medulloblastoma survivor since 2004—by displaying his name on the car, aiming to inspire ongoing fundraising and awareness that has aided over 1,300 children through the organization's adoption programs.[92][89]Creed has also collaborated with complementary cancer-fighting groups, including Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Dare to Dream program and Team Parker 4 Life, integrating these into his racing appearances to promote youth-oriented support and resilience-building activities for affected families.[88] As his Xfinity career progressed from part-time to full-time contention, these initiatives evolved from race-specific sponsorships to season-long commitments, demonstrating a growing emphasis on sustained community involvement tied to his professional achievements.[90][88]
Nicknames and public image
Origin of nicknames
Sheldon Creed earned the nickname "The Showstopper" during his early off-road racing career in the Stadium Super Trucks (SST) series, attributed to announcer Sean Sermini for Creed's flair for dramatic, high-risk passes that captivated audiences.[93] This moniker emerged around 2017, reflecting Creed's aggressive driving style, such as bold overtakes from deep in the field, including instances where he advanced from ninth place through spectacular maneuvers in off-road and BMX-influenced events.[94] The nickname highlights his ability to turn races into thrilling spectacles, often involving daring jumps and close-quarters battles that "stopped the show" for competitors and fans alike.[95]In contrast, "Silver Creed" was coined by NASCAR broadcaster Rick Allen in 2025, poking fun at Creed's frustrating streak of second-place finishes in the Xfinity Series, where he amassed 13 runner-up results without a victory at that point.[96] This nickname alludes to silver medals in racing's metaphorical podium, underscoring Creed's consistent performance as a strong contender who frequently led laps but fell short in the final stages, such as during a notable Xfinity streak that season.[97] It reflects his reliable yet win elusive style, positioning him as a perpetual bridesmaid in high-stakes ovals.[98]Both nicknames have permeated media broadcasts, with "The Showstopper" frequently invoked in SST and early NASCAR commentary to emphasize Creed's entertaining aggression, while "Silver Creed" gained traction in 2025 Xfinity coverage on NBC and other networks, often during post-race analysis of his near-misses.[93][98] In fan culture, they appear on merchandise, social media memes, and trackside chants, symbolizing Creed's evolution from a flashy off-road prodigy to a polished pavement runner-up, endearing him to supporters who appreciate his relentless pursuit of the top spot.[96] Occasionally, minor monikers like "Prodigy" have surfaced in profiles of his BMX and motocross youth, but they lack the enduring media adoption of his primary aliases.[3]
Media presence
Sheldon Creed maintains a strong social media presence, engaging fans with personal and professional updates across multiple platforms. His Instagram account (@sheldoncreed) has over 55,000 followers and features more than 1,200 posts, including race recaps, family moments like beach trips with his wife and dog, and pet introductions such as his puppy Axel.[99] On Facebook, his official page garners around 17,000 followers, where he shares similar content focused on his NASCAR career and appreciation for fan support.[100] These platforms highlight his approachable side, with frequent interactions through comments and stories that blend racing highlights with everyday life.Creed extends his reach through YouTube, operating a channel (@SheldonCreed74) that includes vlogs and behind-the-scenes features, such as announcements about joining new teams in 2025, race recaps from Daytona, and winter series racing at Millbridge. In interviews and media features, he often discusses his career trajectory and personal interests; for example, a one-on-one interview explored his expectations in the Xfinity Series, while a CBS News segment previewed his participation in the 2024 Chicago Street Race.[101][102] Post-race interviews on NASCAR broadcasts further showcase his reflections, like recapping runner-up finishes at Bristol.[103]His appearances in NASCAR broadcasts and documentaries emphasize his competitive edge alongside a relaxed demeanor, often featured in official NASCAR videos and series highlights.[104] Fan interactions are a key aspect of his public persona, with social media posts encouraging engagement—such as thanking supporters for their unwavering backing during seasons—and live Q&A sessions that reveal his laid-back personality, described as calm and collected in garage areas.[105][106] This approachable style fosters strong connections, as seen in exclusive interviews where he shares insights into off-track life and driver camaraderie.[107]Following his 2020 NASCAR Truck Series championship, Creed's media profile expanded notably, driven by his transition to the Xfinity Series and heightened visibility in national broadcasts, leading to more frequent features and follower growth on digital platforms.[6][108]
Career statistics
Overall summary
Sheldon Creed has built a distinguished racing career across off-road and stock car disciplines, accumulating seven off-road championships, one ARCA Menards Series title, one NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series championship, and eight Truck Series victories as of November 2025. His transition from short course off-road racing, where he dominated with high win rates in series like the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS) and Stadium Super Trucks (SST), to pavement stock cars began with ARCA in 2017. There, he excelled en route to the 2018 championship, securing four wins across 39 total starts. In the Truck Series from 2019 to 2021, Creed notched eight wins in 76 starts, including the 2020 title, before advancing to full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series competition in 2022, where he has completed 136 starts with 35 top-five finishes and 68 top-ten finishes but no victories to date.[1][4][109]Creed's overall win percentage hovers around 10% in ARCA (4 wins in 39 starts) and the Truck Series (8 wins in 76 starts), underscoring his adaptability to oval and road course layouts. In contrast, his off-road tenure featured a win rate exceeding 30% in premier classes, with 39 SST victories— the series record—and 25 LOORRS wins contributing to his seven titles. Xfinity statistics reveal a top-five rate of approximately 26% and top-ten rate of 50%, highlighting progressive improvement on asphalt tracks compared to his dirt roots, particularly in achieving consistent podium threats without capitalizing on wins. These aggregates reflect a career trajectory of escalating competitiveness, from off-road prodigy to stock car contender, with trends showing refined racecraft on pavement ovals and road courses.[29][37][110]
Year
Series
Major Achievements
2009–2011
LOORRS (Karting)
3 championships
2012
LOORRS (SuperLite)
1 championship, multiple wins
2014
LOORRS (Pro Lite)
1 championship, multiple wins
2015–2016
SST
2 championships, 39 career wins (series record)
2018
ARCA Menards
1 championship, 4 wins, 18 top-10s
2020
NASCAR Truck
1 championship, 5 wins that season (part of 8 career)
2022–2025
NASCAR Xfinity
136 starts, 35 top-5s, 68 top-10s, 4 poles
NASCAR results
Sheldon Creed has competed in 213 starts across NASCAR's three national series as of the conclusion of the 2025 season, with the majority of his outings in the Craftsman Truck Series and Xfinity Series. In the Truck Series, he recorded 76 starts, 8 wins, 23 top-five finishes, 37 top-ten finishes, and 7 poles, achieving an average starting position of 9.4 and an average finishing position of 13.3. His Xfinity Series record stands at 136 starts, 0 wins, 35 top-fives, 68 top-tens, and 4 poles, with averages of 10.1 starting and 15.7 finishing positions. Creed has made just 1 Cup Series start, with no top finishes or poles recorded.[111][112]Creed's playoff appearances highlight his competitive edge in the lower tiers. He clinched the 2020 Truck Series championship, securing the title with a victory in the finale at Phoenix Raceway after five wins during the regular season. In the Xfinity Series, he qualified for the playoffs in 2023 (finishing 7th in the final standings), 2024 (6th), and 2025 (initially 9th before elimination), advancing to the Round of 8 in 2025 before being knocked out at Martinsville Speedway. He did not advance to playoffs in 2022, ending 14th overall. No Cup Series playoff participation has occurred.[52][113][114]
Truck Series Year-by-Year Summary
Year
Starts
Wins
Top 5s
Top 10s
Poles
Championship Position
Avg. Start
Avg. Finish
2016
1
0
0
0
0
58th
22.0
28.0
2017
1
0
0
0
0
100th
18.0
25.0
2018
5
0
1
2
0
33rd
15.2
18.4
2019
23
0
4
11
0
10th
10.5
14.7
2020
23
5
9
13
4
1st (Champion)
7.8
10.2
2021
22
3
9
11
2
5th
8.1
12.5
2022
1
0
0
0
1
105th
1.0
20.0
These figures reflect Creed's progression from part-time appearances to full-season contention, culminating in his 2020 title run with GMS Racing, where he led the series in laps led (378) and demonstrated strong short-track and intermediate performances.[111][4][115]
Xfinity Series Year-by-Year Summary
Year
Starts
Wins
Top 5s
Top 10s
Poles
Championship Position
Avg. Start
Avg. Finish
2017
2
0
0
0
0
77th
18.5
24.0
2019
1
0
0
0
0
-
25.0
28.0
2021
1
0
0
1
0
-
8.0
5.0
2022
33
0
4
13
0
14th
12.3
17.2
2023
33
0
7
15
1
7th
9.8
15.1
2024
33
0
16
23
2
6th
9.2
13.4
2025
33
0
8
16
1
9th
10.5
16.0
Creed's Xfinity tenure, primarily with Richard Childress Racing (2022–2024) and Haas Factory Team (2025), showcases consistent top-10 contention, with his 2024 season marking a career-high 16 top-fives and frequent runner-up finishes (15 career seconds). His average starting position improved annually, reflecting qualifying prowess on road courses and ovals.[111][116][63]
Cup Series Summary
Creed's lone Cup Series appearance came in 2023 at Circuit of the Americas, driving the No. 2 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet, where he started 34th and finished 29th after a late-race incident. No additional starts occurred through 2025.[111]
Off-road and other series results
Sheldon Creed began his racing career in off-road disciplines at a young age, starting with motocross at six years old before transitioning to quarter midget racing at eight and Trophy Karts in the Championship Off-Road Racing series by age nine, where he achieved a fourth-place finish in his debut year.[11][7] By 2009, at age 12, he entered the Lucas Oil Off Road Racing Series (LOORRS) in kart classes, securing championships in Junior 1 (2009), Junior 2 (2010), Modified Kart (2011), SuperLite (2012), and Pro Lite (2014), marking him as the first driver to win titles in multiple LOORRS classes.[117] His progression continued into professional classes, where he amassed 25 wins and five overall championships across LOORRS divisions from 2008 to 2015, establishing a dominant presence in short-course off-road racing before expanding into Stadium Super Trucks (SST) in 2013.[4]In SST, Creed quickly excelled, capturing back-to-back championships in 2015 and 2016 while setting the series record with 39 career wins, including multiple victories in high-profile events like the X Games, where he earned gold in 2015.[29][9] His off-road prowess extended internationally in 2016 when, at 18—the youngest competitor in event history—he participated in the Dakar Rally as part of Robby Gordon's Team Speed Energy, completing seven stages with a best finish of 26th in the fourth stage before a disqualification due to mechanical issues in the eighth stage.[32][118]Creed's transition to stock cars included strong performances in developmental series. In the 2018 ARCA Racing Series, he clinched the championship in his first full season with MDM Motorsports, securing four wins, 16 top-five finishes, and 18 top-10 results across 20 starts, highlighted by a victory in the season finale at Kansas Speedway.[37][119] That same year in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West, he recorded one win in the Star Nursery 100 on Las Vegas Motor Speedway's dirt track—the series' first dirt event since 1979—though he finished outside the top ranks in the final standings.[41] In the Trans Am Series TA2 class, Creed achieved a single victory in wet conditions at Road America in 2017, advancing from 12th on the grid to first for his class-best result, ending the season 14th in points.[70]The following table summarizes Creed's key achievements in non-NASCAR series: