The Trackhouse Racing future for Shane van Gisbergen is under serious scrutiny as the NASCAR team weighs its 2025 driver options amid a challenging season. As van Gisbergen faces mounting questions about his seat, Trackhouse management grapples with tough decisions, all while upcoming road-course events could influence the fate of both van Gisbergen and Daniel Suarez.
SVG’s Mixed Debut Sparks Questions Ahead of 2025
Shane van Gisbergen entered the NASCAR Cup Series spotlight by taking a stunning victory for Trackhouse Racing at the 2023 Chicago Street Course, instantly proving himself formidable on technical tracks. However, as of June 2025, the adaptation to American oval racing has not come easily; van Gisbergen remains without a top-20 finish on ovals and currently ranks 33rd in the points.
While his difficulties at tracks such as Phoenix and Las Vegas were sometimes attributed to incidents beyond his control, the lack of standout results on ovals stands in sharp contrast to his road-course pedigree. With a series of road and street course events approaching, his ability to capitalize on these strengths is now a crucial talking point for both Trackhouse Racing and NASCAR insiders.
The debate over his future intensified after journalist Jordan Bianchi reported the possibility of Daniel Suarez losing his seat if rising talent Connor Zilisch was promoted in 2025. As the season progresses, team principal Justin Marks must decide whether van Gisbergen or Suarez, both under pressure, will remain alongside established ace Ross Chastain, whose Coca-Cola 600 victory reinforced his own place in the organization.
Rising Road-Course Hopes: What Experts Are Saying
The upcoming road course segment of the season has placed renewed focus on van Gisbergen’s ability to deliver for Trackhouse Racing. Commentators and analysts are voicing support, citing his extensive experience in Australia’s Supercars, where he clinched championships in 2016, 2021, and 2022 on demanding circuits famous for technical nuance and driver skill.
On a recent episode of NASCAR Live, analyst Dave Moody discussed van Gisbergen’s prospects in detail, highlighting the Kiwi driver’s proven skill set:
“He’s going to tracks where he’s never raced before, he’s got to ask for directions… I’m pretty sure he’s going to win one of these road course races, and I don’t think anybody’s going to be remotely surprised when he does.”
—Dave Moody, Analyst
This optimism is bolstered by van Gisbergen’s 2023 Xfinity Series performances, where he claimed wins at Portland International Raceway, Sonoma Raceway, and once again on Chicago’s temporary street circuit. According to Moody, a single win on a road course would immediately propel van Gisbergen into playoff contention, given NASCAR’s format.
“It’s either you hate about this points system or it’s what you love about this points system, but SVG behind the wheel with bunch of road courses coming up, it’s going to happen,”
—Dave Moody, Analyst
With critics debating NASCAR’s win-and-in playoff structure, van Gisbergen’s road course opportunities stand as a pivotal moment for his 2025 campaign.
Trackhouse Racing’s Internal Struggle: Three Seats, Four Drivers
The composition of Trackhouse Racing’s 2025 roster remains uncertain as the organization finds itself with three available seats but four drivers vying for full-time roles. Daniel Suarez’s recent lack of consistent results, despite a drought-ending win in Atlanta this past February, has left him vulnerable. Meanwhile, Connor Zilisch’s rapid emergence has further complicated the situation.
Team owner Justin Marks addressed the situation regarding Zilisch’s progression:
“We’ll see what his future holds, but right now we have a mechanism in the company to put that extra car out. We just want him to get that experience. No expectations for results or anything like that.”
—Justin Marks, Team Owner
This statement from Marks indicates that while Zilisch is gaining vital experience without strict performance targets, the team is clearly evaluating its roster dynamics. Trackhouse previously released Zane Smith to accommodate van Gisbergen, and now a similar dilemma presents itself as Trackhouse must decide between experience, immediate performance, and future potential.
Suarez’s Last Stand: Time Running Out to Prove Value
Daniel Suarez faces a contract year at Trackhouse Racing, with his performance during the remainder of 2025 likely determining whether he retains his spot. After breaking a 57-race winless streak at Atlanta in early 2024, Suarez signed just a one-year extension and has since struggled to consistently finish inside the top 20.
With Chastain securing his place as the lead driver and Marks publicly suggesting no harsh judgments for 2025, Suarez’s margin for error has grown slim. His situation echoes last year’s decision that saw Zane Smith exit to make way for van Gisbergen, raising the stakes for the current lineup. Industry discussion suggests that both Suarez and van Gisbergen must deliver results soon—especially as upcoming road courses play into SVG’s biggest strengths.
The internal struggle puts further emphasis on road course races as potential make-or-break moments for both drivers. Should van Gisbergen secure a victory, his case to stay strengthens considerably, with Suarez pressured to prove himself before any playoff bid is sealed.
Pressure Mounts Ahead of Decisive Stretch
With the possibility of rising star Connor Zilisch assuming a full-time seat, the fate of Trackhouse Racing’s current lineup could shift rapidly. Both Shane van Gisbergen and Daniel Suarez face a relentless test as NASCAR transitions to a string of circuits that could define not only their respective careers, but also the competitive direction of Trackhouse Racing itself.
As the intense 2025 NASCAR season unfolds, decisions made in the coming weeks will determine whether Trackhouse sticks with its current international talents, bets on future prospects, or reshapes its lineup altogether. The Trackhouse Racing future for Shane van Gisbergen, shaped by his performances on upcoming road courses, hangs in the balance as the organization heads into one of its most pivotal seasons yet.
