Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR Trackhouse Racing made headlines as Trackhouse Racing confirmed Connor Zilisch will join the team for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, with three-time Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen voicing strong support for the move. The team, known for mixing established drivers with young talent, continues its push to innovate and strengthen its lineup for the future.
Van Gisbergen Welcomes New Teammate and Competition
Van Gisbergen, who transitioned from the Australian Supercars to NASCAR, recognizes both the potential and the challenge that Zilisch brings to the organization. The experienced driver addressed the competitive advantage that adding another skilled road course driver could offer to Trackhouse Racing.
“I hope so, yeah, because that means the team is going well,”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
“Having another good road course driver will just push us to the next level. And especially, Ross [Chastain] is not far behind, too, on the road courses. So, we’re pretty strong. But Connor’s pretty fast on the ovals too, so it’s going to be good to see how he goes.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
Historically, Trackhouse Racing has not shied away from bold decisions, previously recruiting van Gisbergen himself. Bringing Zilisch on board further cements their commitment to fielding well-rounded and ambitious drivers in a competitive NASCAR Cup Series environment.
Young Talent Rises: Connor Zilisch’s Rapid Ascent
Trackhouse’s signing of Connor Zilisch, a driver who stands out in the lower series for his adaptiveness and raw skill, marks a clear bet on youth for long-term success. Despite his age, Zilisch has already built a reputation as a fierce competitor, impressing peers with both his talent and his maturity in high-stakes racing conversations.
“He’s still a kid as well,”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
“You have some conversations with him, and then you remember that he’s only 19 or whatever he is. But I find the upbringing of the kids here is unbelievable. They’re so far ahead of where I’ve come from.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
Van Gisbergen reflected on how young drivers in America start their journeys much earlier, comparing Zilisch and other rising talents like Keelan Harvick. Their early and frequent racing experience at locations such as Trackhouse Motorplex sets them apart from previous generations.
“Like, racing Keelan Harvick in a Legend Car, he’s 12 or 13, and he’s racing three times a week. He’s as good as I was when I was 18. And he’s 12 or 13. It’s ridiculous how young the kids here start and how much racing they do. They’re at the motorplex, Trackhouse Motorplex, every week and just always driving. It’s impressive how good everyone here is at a young age.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
Building a Dynamic and Competitive Team
With Ross Chastain, Shane van Gisbergen, and soon Connor Zilisch all set for Trackhouse Racing’s future Cup Series campaigns, the team is assembling a powerful trio. Each driver adds a distinct edge: Chastain’s aggressive racecraft, van Gisbergen’s acclaimed road course abilities, and Zilisch’s determined youth and consistency across racing formats.
Trackhouse’s strategy reflects its ambition to develop the next wave of elite NASCAR talent. Their willingness to sign standout names from other series, invest in young stars, and foster internal competition demonstrates a vision for sustained excellence in the NASCAR Cup Series. The team, with its focus on skill diversity and adaptability, is gaining respect as a proactive, forward-looking force among NASCAR organizations.
Looking Ahead to 2026 and Beyond
The anticipation for Connor Zilisch’s Trackhouse Racing debut grows as 2026 approaches. With van Gisbergen expected to bring further Cup experience, Chastain remaining a steadfast contender, and Zilisch preparing to step up, the ensemble is set to attract plenty of attention across the series.
For van Gisbergen, the philosophy is clear—strong teammates drive greater personal and team progress. As Trackhouse Racing continues its buildup, the acquisition of Zilisch is widely seen as a move that could help propel the team to new heights in the NASCAR Cup Series, keeping them firmly in the spotlight as a pioneering organization in the sport.
