Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR success this season is closely linked to the expertise of his crew chief, Stephen Doran, whose strategic direction has been key in achieving four road course wins. As the duo aims for the second playoff race at Gateway, Doran’s journey and influence on the No. 88 team draw fresh attention.
Building a Racing Foundation in Pennsylvania
Stephen Doran grew up in Butler, Pennsylvania, and absorbed the culture of dirt racing from an early age, influenced by his father’s involvement with dirt modified cars. At just ten years old, Doran began helping at the track, learning mechanical skills that would set the stage for his future in motorsports.
By sixteen, he was already working for a race team in Ohio, taking on hands-on roles such as hauling equipment, mounting tires, and performing maintenance for local squads. His teenage years also included experience working with dirt sprint cars, providing him a broad foundation in competitive racing before he ventured to North Carolina.
Climbing the NASCAR Ranks
Doran’s first opportunity in NASCAR came in 2006 with Petty Enterprises, allowing him the rare experience of working in the storied workshop once occupied by Richard Petty himself. He soon moved to Stewart-Haas Racing, contributing as an engineer on Kevin Harvick’s No. 4 Cup Series car, where he gained invaluable insight into top-level racing operations.
When Doran became a Cup Series crew chief in his first full season, he led Zane Smith with Spire Motorsports’ No. 71 Chevrolet. That pivotal role paved his path to Trackhouse Racing, where he currently directs Shane van Gisbergen’s adaptation to NASCAR. Doran has become not just a leader but a mentor, especially as SVG transitions from Supercars and hones his craft on ovals, stretching his capabilities beyond the road courses.
Supporting van Gisbergen’s Growth on Every Track
While SVG’s mastery of road courses is well-recognized, Doran has focused on guiding his development on oval tracks, which are crucial in the NASCAR calendar. The improvements have been measurable, with van Gisbergen capturing 14th place at Richmond and securing 16th at Daytona—markers of his growth as a complete NASCAR driver. Under Doran’s guidance, van Gisbergen continues to enhance his understanding of aerodynamic strategy and track positioning, both vital for oval racing success.
We’ve gotten a ton better, he said in an August appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR, noting his driver’s growing confidence and racecraft. —Stephen Doran, Crew Chief
A Promising Future for the No. 88 Team
The performance progress motivated Trackhouse Racing to offer van Gisbergen a multiyear extension, signaling their confidence in his evolving talent under Doran’s leadership. This strategic move demonstrates the organization’s commitment to nurturing SVG’s progress and expanding his impact across all NASCAR tracks.
With Gateway on the horizon and fans eager for another strong showing, Stephen Doran’s experience—from his days in Pennsylvania to leading one of NASCAR’s most talked-about drivers—continues to shape Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR success and the trajectory of the No. 88 team.
