Shane van Gisbergen, the renowned driver from Auckland, New Zealand, has secured his future in American motorsport by signing a multiyear NASCAR contract extension with Trackhouse Racing, following a string of historic achievements in the Cup Series. This latest agreement ensures van Gisbergen’s presence at Trackhouse for several years, marking a significant moment in NASCAR as the team continues its pursuit of victories with the winningest foreign-born driver in series history.
Van Gisbergen’s Rise from International Star to NASCAR Champion
What started as a single PROJECT91 appearance in 2023 evolved into a full-time campaign in the Xfinity Series for Shane van Gisbergen in 2024 and then a standout Cup Series debut in 2025. After originally coming to the U.S. as a Supercars champion, van Gisbergen quickly established himself, winning three Cup Series races this year and raising his total to four wins in just 37 starts—unmatched by any other foreign-born competitor to date.
His rapid ascent caught the attention of both fans and the NASCAR community, transforming him from an international outsider into one of the series’ most successful drivers. Despite being a new face to many NASCAR followers, van Gisbergen’s resume includes multiple V8 Supercars Championships with Triple Eight Race Engineering, a remarkable 80 race wins, and three victories at the iconic Bathurst 1000.
Trackhouse Racing’s Global Vision and PROJECT91
Trackhouse Racing’s pursuit of international talent began with the creation of PROJECT91 in 2022, a program designed by founder Justin Marks to showcase elite drivers from around the world within the NASCAR Cup Series. Kimi Räikkönen, the 2007 Formula One World Champion, participated in PROJECT91 at two iconic venues, paving the way for more international involvement.
Van Gisbergen’s own NASCAR journey grew from a one–race opportunity in Chicago in 2023 into a full-time driver development contract with Trackhouse. He spent the 2024 season driving for Kaulig Racing in the Xfinity Series, capturing wins at Portland International Raceway, Sonoma Raceway, and the Chicago Street Race. He also competed in a dozen Cup Series events last year.
Setting Records and Making History
Van Gisbergen’s impact became undeniable during his debut at the Chicago Street Race, where he led nine laps and claimed victory by a 1.259 second margin in overtime. That performance made him only the sixth foreign-born driver to win a Cup race and the first since Johnny Rutherford in 1963 to win on their inaugural start.
The 2025 season saw Trackhouse Racing expand to field a third car, giving van Gisbergen the No. 88 chevrolet/”>Chevrolet for his first full Cup Series campaign. He achieved victories in Mexico City, another Chicago Street Race, and Sonoma, cementing his status as a record-setter. He also notched an Xfinity Series win at Chicago with JR Motorsports.
Among van Gisbergen’s notable records are tying for the most wins in a rookie season, becoming the fastest driver to reach three victories in NASCAR’s modern era, stringing together three consecutive road course wins from pole, and having the most Cup wins by a foreign-born competitor. His success has made him the first New Zealander to win a NASCAR Cup Series race.
Statements on Van Gisbergen’s Journey and Impact
“I feel like Trackhouse Racing is my home,”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
“Trackhouse gave me the opportunity to race at Chicago in 2023. That was just a one-race deal, and everything that has happened since then is because of the chance Justin (Marks, Trackhouse founder and owner) took on me. The men and women at Trackhouse have helped me feel at home in this new challenge, and I’ve been loving every minute of it. We still have a lot of work to do, but I couldn’t be happier.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
“We are getting to watch one of the superstars of racing,”
—Justin Marks, Trackhouse Racing Founder and Owner
“What we are asking him to do carries a high degree of difficulty. He’s moved to the other side of the world, learned a new form of racing and at times dominated the competition. He’s one of the greatest.”
—Justin Marks, Trackhouse Racing Founder and Owner
What Lies Ahead for Van Gisbergen and Trackhouse Racing
Shane van Gisbergen’s ongoing partnership with Trackhouse Racing signals a new chapter of international prominence for NASCAR. With his remarkable adaptability, road course mastery, and record-breaking performances, the organization is poised to challenge for even greater success in upcoming seasons.
This continued collaboration not only amplifies Trackhouse’s global ambitions but also inspires a fresh wave of international talent to enter the NASCAR scene. As van Gisbergen strives for further victories and etches more milestones, the world of motorsport will be watching to see how high he and Trackhouse Racing can climb together.
