Shane van Gisbergen has signed a multi-year contract extension with Trackhouse Racing, ensuring his role as driver of the No. 88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet for several years to come. The announcement was made at Watkins Glen International, with both team founder Justin Marks and van Gisbergen confirming their shared vision for ongoing success and a strong push toward a NASCAR playoff breakthrough. The new Shane van Gisbergen Trackhouse Racing contract extension positions the driver to continue his rapid development in the Cup Series and strengthens the organization’s long-term competitive outlook.
Developing a Cup Series Contender Through Rapid Adaptation
Following the announcement, Justin Marks reflected on how quickly the partnership between van Gisbergen and Trackhouse Racing has evolved. From van Gisbergen’s initial race in Chicago to his entry into the Truck and Indianapolis Cup events, his progression has been rapid. Marks emphasized the unique skill set van Gisbergen brings, particularly on road courses, while also noting the accelerated pace at which van Gisbergen has adjusted to oval racing—a key factor in the team’s decision to offer a long-term contract.
“Yeah, this has been this has been a really, really fun project for the company. Obviously, you know, everything happened really, really quickly from Chicago to the Truck race (at IRP) a couple weeks later, into the Indianapolis Cup race, and then a season of Xfinity and now full-time in the Cup Series for Shane (van Gisbergen). I think we’ve got someone here that that can win anytime we show up on the road courses. Winning is so important here in the Cup Series, obviously, but I think what kind of excites us at Trackhouse more than anything is his speed of development on the ovals and just working with him day in and day out and recognizing that even though his history in racing has been not very similar to what the competitors in the Cup Series have with just a lack of experience on the ovals — just his talent, work ethic and kind of showing his progression on the ovals has put our company in a position where we feel excited and comfortable to make a longer-term commitment to Shane. We think he’s got an oval win in him in the Cup Series. Things are just coming together and really starting to gel, so it’s just a good time to make a commitment to each other and we’re thrilled that he that he accepted the offer. We just have to get back to work and keep doing what we’ve been doing.”
—Justin Marks, Founder, Trackhouse Racing
The Journey from Supercars to NASCAR
For van Gisbergen, joining Trackhouse was more than just a career move; it was an unexpected opportunity that transformed the trajectory of his professional life. He recounted how the fast pace and competitive spirit in the Cup Series inspired him to continue racing in America, especially after memorable events like the Indianapolis Cup race. His ongoing passion and excitement for the challenge are evident as he settles into his new long-term role with the team.
“Yeah, it’s been an amazing couple of years, as Justin (Marks) touched on — how it’s all snowballed and how we’ve been going. And then this year, you know, it’s been a real learning year but I feel like we’ve made big progression. The road courses have obviously been a bonus the last couple of months. It’s just been a cool team to be a part of — the win lunches we’ve been doing and seeing how much it means to everyone. This week even, the atmosphere in the shop, the build-up and expectations now, it’s really cool. It’s cool to build a relationship with everyone there and, yeah, I’ve just been loving every minute. I’m looking forward to doing it for a few more years.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver, No.88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
Choosing a New Racing Path in America
While van Gisbergen’s career began in Supercars and spanned over a decade, his desire for a fresh challenge led him to NASCAR—a decision influenced by the exhilaration and competitiveness of American oval racing. He explained how his shift in focus became clear after participating in several key races, making his transition to full-time NASCAR competition a natural progression.
“It was probably after Indy when I ran 83rd and I had the most fun of my life just battling people all race on the oval there. Yeah, the truck race was awesome and I thought — this is going to be really cool to do. After Indy, I think we did a deal pretty quickly after that. Like I said, just right from the start, I’ve enjoyed life here and racing every week and the challenge. It was probably time for me to have a new challenge in my career. I’ve raced Supercars for 15 years or something, so yeah, the timing was just perfect and I don’t regret any minute. It’s been the most fun I’ve had in racing for a long time. It’s been really cool.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver, No.88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
Trackhouse’s Focus on Continuous Improvement
The transition to full-time Cup Series competition is not without its challenges, particularly for a driver making the leap from international touring car racing. Justin Marks outlined how van Gisbergen’s dedication to learning, meticulous approach, and commitment to studying race data have rapidly advanced his skillset, especially in the demanding context of oval track competition.
“Yeah, I mean, I think in this day and age in the Cup Series, it takes a huge commitment because the series is so competitive and it’s the accumulation or the aggregate of so many small things that end up in success in the Cup Series — that’s data, simulation, really understanding the cars, understanding the development of the cars and how things change week to week, all of that. Shane’s just proven very, very quickly that he likes to live in that area, that bubble, of just really understanding all the technical details; understanding how the cars are built and just what it takes to go fast. I think that there’s also just not a lot of noise. It’s just the work. It’s just getting in and doing the work and putting in the hours and the focus when that’s really what’s required to go fast these days — it’s really to understand these race cars and understand the technology, the aero and how to get the most out of them. I think that’s probably contributed to how fast he’s been able to develop on the ovals. He’s a student and he watches tape. He watches the races and looks at the data and really asks the questions of ‘why’. I think that, at this day and age and at this level, that level of commitment, that level of focus and that level of intelligence are real factors in being successful. He’s just demonstrated that from the first time he showed up at Chicago in 2023.”
—Justin Marks, Founder, Trackhouse Racing
Looking Ahead to NASCAR Playoff Debut
With his first appearance in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs approaching, van Gisbergen is focused on maintaining a steady approach amid high expectations. He acknowledged the difficulties of the upcoming races, especially given his limited experience on some tracks, but remains optimistic about his and the team’s trajectory.
“I really have no idea. I try not to race with expectations and just take it as it comes. But I feel like we’re ramping up a lot and we’re starting to go to tracks that will be the second time for me, and I felt like I got a lot better at that last year at Xfinity. And yeah, hopefully the same trend this year, but the first round is very difficult. We go to Darlington, which is my favorite oval. But the other two, Bristol and Gateway — I haven’t really been to Gateway before, so it’s going to be very difficult. But if we get to the second round, it’s probably going to be easier than the first one, you know? So I don’t really know how we’re going to end up, but I do feel like we’re improving every week and our average running position or pace is definitely trending in the right direction, so if we execute, who knows what can happen.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver, No.88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
Marks echoed this realistic, process-focused approach. Rather than setting specific performance benchmarks, the team aims to build playoff momentum, accumulate points, and leverage a strong foundation for future championship contention.
“Yeah, I don’t know if I think about what’s realistic or what the goals are from like a finishing standings position or anything like that. I think what we have an opportunity to do with the 88 team is to go into the playoffs, have a lot of playoff points and be able to have somewhat of a cushion, so if we go do a good job and he executes it at those first three races to be able to get to the second round, like you mentioned, I think as the momentum continues to grow and his experience continues to grow and we get through that first round and he has a good second round, I think the Round of Eight is something that’s very possible for us. And then you’re really among the best guys in this sport, executing at the most important time of the year, and that’s when it just gets really, really hard. So, I mean, I think the focus is to really just stay with the week in and week out of just improving and grinding. I think this is the first of many playoff appearances for him, so I think it would be good for him to just get the experience of how the dynamic of the championship changes once we get to those rounds.”
—Justin Marks, Founder, Trackhouse Racing
Trackhouse Racing’s Organizational Evolution
Beyond the excitement around van Gisbergen’s contract extension, Trackhouse Racing is undergoing its own transformation, known internally as the Trackhouse 2.0 process. Marks described the recent hiring of Todd Meredith as President of Racing Operations as a pivotal move. Meredith’s extensive background in Cup Series competition is expected to chart a stronger organizational strategy, with improvements in workforce, tools, and operational effectiveness planned for the next competitive cycle.
“Well, I think as we sit here today, I’m probably more excited about the future of this company than I’ve been ever since day one, and I think that started with hiring Todd Meredith, our President of Racing Operations, who’s come in the first three weeks and really done a very deep dive into the organization. This is a guy with decades of experience in the Cup Series and championships under his belt as an executive in the sport who really knows what it takes to assemble great working groups; how to maximize your opportunity every single week, where to push on things, where to organize budgets, where to organize people and org charts, and where to invest in tools and all that. So having him come in has really opened up the 2.0 process. He sat with me two weeks ago in Nashville and sort of presented his plan to me, and I left that meeting just so fired up and so excited. So, you know, it’s going to be a strengthening of our workforce. It’s going to be a strengthening of our tools. We’re right in the middle of that process right now and I think when we unload it at Daytona in 2026, I think the team will just be more powerful than it’s ever been since its inception and I’m really excited about it.”
—Justin Marks, Founder, Trackhouse Racing
Navigating NASCAR’s Competitive Shifts
The competitive landscape in NASCAR has become increasingly challenging, with larger, well-resourced teams like Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Penske leveraging development and technology. Marks addressed the evolving nature of the series, noting that the learning curve for Next Gen cars and the increased sophistication of top-level teams demand constant adaptation from organizations like Trackhouse Racing.
Smaller or newer organizations have had to adjust their approach as the dominant teams deepen their expertise and resource allocation. However, Marks remains optimistic that the team’s long-range plan, fueled by strategic investments and a clear philosophy, will enable Trackhouse to compete at the front consistently and challenge the biggest names in the sport.
Maximizing Technical Partnerships and Organizational Strength
With Chevrolet as a key partner, Trackhouse Racing benefits from valuable data and technical support. Although their resources may not fully match the depth of powerhouse teams, the organization’s close partnership with Hendrick Motorsports and Chevrolet allows access to critical information and development. Marks believes that proper utilization of these resources is central to Trackhouse’s path to success, providing the foundation for future championship contention and sustainable growth.
Van Gisbergen’s Long-Term NASCAR Ambitions
Van Gisbergen, while committed to his new role, remains open to future possibilities in international motorsport but emphasizes his current focus on NASCAR. He expressed appreciation for the longevity available to racing drivers, while also acknowledging the personal challenges, such as being away from home. Despite these considerations, his passion for his current journey remains undiminished.
“I don’t really know. I haven’t thought about it. I definitely have a lot of years left in me. We’re lucky as race car drivers. We have a very long shelf life, you know? You see guys competitive till their late 40s, so I can go as long as I want. But I do have other things in racing I want to try. I still want to do some European stuff. I want to do Nürburgring 24. That’s on my list to do that properly. I want to do a bit more rally car driving. I got into that 2021-22. That’s a crazy sport, so I’d love to do more of that. But definitely for now, I want to stay in NASCAR and concentrate on that, but I don’t have a timeline. Two years ago, I wasn’t meant to be here, so I’m really happy here at the moment and can see myself doing it for a while. But it is a sport that fully consumes you, you know? I am very homesick. I miss home a lot, and there’s no time to get back there. I’m a long way from home. I’ll move back there as soon as I’m done racing, but yeah, to answer your question, there’s no timeline. I’m happy here for now.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver, No.88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
Team Performance: Focusing on Playoff Consistency
Marks also discussed the ongoing efforts of the No. 1 Trackhouse Racing team, led by Ross Chastain, as they work to optimize performance and qualify well for upcoming race weekends. Consistency in Saturday sessions and practice runs is seen as vital for playoff success, ensuring the team’s readiness for the challenge ahead.
Project 91: Nurturing Innovation and Talent
Project 91 remains close to the heart of Trackhouse Racing’s philosophy, serving as a means to bring international talent and new sponsorship opportunities into NASCAR. While resource allocation limits the program’s racing schedule, it’s viewed as a valuable asset that could foster future breakthroughs as Trackhouse Racing continues to build and refine its strategy.
Embracing the Challenge of Watkins Glen
As the scene for the contract announcement, Watkins Glen International holds special significance for van Gisbergen, who relishes the fast, narrow, and demanding nature of the circuit. His enthusiasm for the technical aspects of the track underscores his ongoing adaptation to American racing and the unique rhythms of each race weekend.
“Yeah, it’s a really cool track. It’s like Phillip Island with walls. I feel like it reminds me of that track in Australia. It’s so fast and flowing. We were just having a little walk around and the surface has held up really well for how old it is now. It’s a proper ‘tighten-your-belts’ type road course with no room for error. The walls are so close and it’ll bite you really hard. But yeah, I like it. When you get in a good rhythm here and you can flow the car and try not to use the tire, it’s one of the best feelings in a race car ever around here. Just got to not hit the bus stop wall this year and I’ll be fine.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver, No.88 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet
The Road Ahead for Trackhouse and Van Gisbergen
The Shane van Gisbergen Trackhouse Racing contract extension signals the continued integration of global talent and innovative spirit within NASCAR’s top echelon. With organizational restructuring, enhanced technical partnerships, and a clear focus on growth, Trackhouse Racing and van Gisbergen aim to not only break through in the playoffs but also establish themselves as long-term contenders in the sport. As the team refines its processes and marks new milestones, both driver and organization are set for a future defined by passion, evolution, and the pursuit of championship success.
