Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen are set to race part-time for JR Motorsports in the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, joining forces after their notable performances in the current Xfinity Series season. This move comes as both drivers, recognized for their efforts in the Cup Series and with ties to Trackhouse Racing, prepare for new challenges and opportunities in the upcoming season, marking a significant development in the Ross Chastain 2026 NASCAR Series story.
Trackhouse Racing Duo Confirmed for 2026 JR Motorsports Campaign
Analyst Joseph Srigley broke the news that Chastain and van Gisbergen will return to JR Motorsports, competing on a part-time basis behind the wheel of the No. 9 Chevrolet in the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series. Both drivers, typically full-time contenders in the Cup Series, showcased their skills with JR Motorsports earlier in the year—Chastain in five races and van Gisbergen in three.
Shane van Gisbergen, the Auckland native, found early success in his brief spell, securing a victory and a runner-up finish before suffering a crash at Watkins Glen. Chastain, driving the No. 1 Chevy, posted three top-five results at Darlington Raceway, Nashville Superspeedway, and Iowa Speedway, plus a top-10 at Circuit of the Americas, though a P38 at Dover rounded out his run.
Expanding Lineup with Daniel Suarez and Rajah Caruth
JR Motorsports isn’t stopping at Chastain and van Gisbergen, as Daniel Suarez also piloted the No. 9 Chevrolet, clinching victory at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, much to the delight of fans on his home track. The organization also brings in rising talent Rajah Caruth, who is slated to drive the No. 88 Chevy as part of the team’s expanded lineup for the series.
Chastain’s Recent Setback in the Cup Playoffs
Earlier this month, Ross Chastain faced disappointment in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs during the Bank of ROVAL 400 at Charlotte Motor Speedway’s road course. He started 10th, demonstrated strong pace as he advanced to fifth in the opening stage and fourth in the next. However, after being penalized for speeding on pit road in the final stage, Chastain attempted an aggressive move on the last lap to reclaim his playoff hopes but spun off track, ending his pursuit.
“I’d restart the whole day. For Trackhouse Racing, they expect so much more out of me. And to speed on pit road, I went off the end of pit road and didn’t turn. I had more room and just trying to get to the yellow line. and just completely started the downfall there, and then came out of the pit stall and double-clicked up into third (gear) and Just unforced errors.”
— Ross Chastain, Trackhouse Racing Driver
He ultimately finished 21st, narrowly trailing Team Penske’s Joey Logano, who secured both a 20th place finish and advancement to the playoff Round of Eight.
Significance of the New Pairing for 2026
The collaboration between Chastain and van Gisbergen at JR Motorsports signals a strategic flex for the team and offers a chance for both drivers, including the prominent Tag names and organizations involved, to further establish themselves in a competitive series alongside Cup commitments. With Daniel Suarez, Rajah Caruth, and a versatile roster, the team is poised to be a significant force in the series, bringing excitement for fans and unpredictability to the lineup dynamics in the 2026 Ross Chastain 2026 NASCAR Series campaign.
As the offseason unfolds and preparations intensify, the racing community will be watching closely to see how these new pairings and team strategies shape the upcoming events, especially with such high-profile drivers taking on multiple challenges across NASCAR’s major circuits.
