JR Motorsports revealed that Shane van Gisbergen will share the No. 9 Chevrolet with Ross Chastain for selected races in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, aiming for strategic depth and development in upcoming seasons. This move marks a significant collaboration between Trackhouse Racing’s standout drivers as the team adapts its lineup for the evolving series landscape, highlighting the presence of Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR Xfinity Series efforts.
Strategic Driver Lineup Planned for 2026
JR Motorsports is setting a new course for its team by allocating the No. 9 Chevrolet to both Shane van Gisbergen and Ross Chastain on a part-time basis in select events for 2026. Both drivers race for Trackhouse Racing and have experience in the Cup Series, which brings an experienced edge to the team’s Xfinity presence. In 2025, van Gisbergen captured victory in the Chicago Street Race and secured second place at Sonoma, emphasizing his rapid adjustment to American stock car racing. Meanwhile, Chastain recorded three top-five finishes, solidifying his reliability and competitiveness.
This approach keeps the operation financially efficient and promotes fair competition for emerging talent. According to NASCAR regulations, Cup drivers are restricted to a maximum of five Xfinity starts per season, so this split aligns with league policy while allowing more opportunities for younger racers like Carson Kvapil, Connor Zilisch, and Rajah Caruth to gain vital experience.
“Another round with the boys from the (Track)house.@RossChastain and @shanevg97 return to the No. 9 Chevrolet for select races in 2026. pic.twitter.com/6JsEj3K904” — JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports)
The organization will operate with only two full-time cars driven by Sammy Smith and Justin Allgaier, a significant reduction from previous years’ full-time programs. Trackhouse Racing will continue their collaboration with JR Motorsports for these select races, further connecting the two teams and underpinning their focus on both veteran skill and youthful enthusiasm.
How the Restructured Team May Influence the Xfinity Series
JR Motorsports, known for achieving four consecutive NASCAR Xfinity Series owners’ titles, is adapting by mixing seasoned racers like Chastain and van Gisbergen with up-and-coming drivers. The new structure balances championship ambitions with developing fresh talent under the guidance of drivers like Justin Allgaier, who maintains his full-time status and leadership role.
Jimmy Zajac commented on the revamped lineup for the upcoming year:
“With this news, the 2026 JRM lineup is as follows: 1 – Kvapil and Connor Zilisch, 7 – Allgaier, 8 – Sammy Smith, 9 – Chastain, SVG, TBD (?), 88 – Caruth, TBD (?). Very interesting to see them move from 4 full-time drivers down to just 2 for 2026.” — Jimmy Zajac
This streamlined structure is seen as a strategic step, offering younger, hungry drivers more significant chances to shine, while also ensuring seasoned professionals remain key contributors to the program’s competitiveness and culture.
Enthusiastic Fan Response and Notable Perspectives
The announcement of the new approach sparked immediate discussions among fans and motorsports commentators. Tsuki, a long-time follower, reacted to the shift:
“Wait, so JRM is fielding two cars as part-time next year?? I would’ve thought with the 88 going back part-time that they’d bring the 9 back full-time. This is interesting. Hoping it means Dale Jr is gonna run a race next year.” — Tsuki
Many supporters expressed excitement at the prospect of team owner Dale Earnhardt Jr. possibly competing for a race in the near future. As a perennial fan favorite, Earnhardt Jr.’s participations are always met with anticipation, adding to the overall enthusiasm surrounding the team’s evolving plans.
Looking Ahead: Building on Racing Success
Both van Gisbergen and Chastain continue to race as teammates for Trackhouse Racing in the Cup Series, and their performance this season illustrates their strength, even though neither advanced past the Round of 8 in the playoffs. Nick Geddes of on3.com noted van Gisbergen’s impressive five-win rookie season, ranking him among the top performers in the field.
“In the Cup Series, Chastain and van Gisbergen are also teammates at Trackhouse Racing. They both made the playoffs this year, but they didn’t make it to the Round of 8. Still, they did great. Van Gisbergen, who’s a rookie, already has five wins. That’s the second-most of any driver” — Nick Geddes, on3.com
In the Xfinity Series, younger drivers like Kvapil, Zilisch, and Caruth are on an upward trajectory. Kvapil is showing steady progress with each outing, while Zilisch and Caruth’s adaptability and courage highlight a promising future for the organization.
By blending experienced racers with emerging talent, JR Motorsports positions itself for ongoing success and evolution within the competitive landscape of the NASCAR Xfinity and Cup Series. This forward-thinking approach suggests the team will continue to be both innovative and competitive in the seasons to come.
Another round with the boys from the (Track)house.@RossChastain and @shanevg97 return to the No. 9 Chevrolet for select races in 2026. pic.twitter.com/6JsEj3K904
— JR Motorsports (@JRMotorsports) October 21, 2025
With this news, the 2026 JRM Lineup is as follows:
1 – Kvapil and Zilisch
7 – Allgaier
8 – Sammy Smith
9 – Chastain, SVG, TBD (?)
88 – Caruth, TBD(?)Very interesting to see them move from 4 Full-Time drivers down to just 2 for 2026. https://t.co/ig3rMOsXaC
— Jimmy Zajac (@SlimJimJZ) October 21, 2025
Wait, so JRM is fielding two cars as part time next year??
I would’ve thought with the 88 going back part time that they’d bring the 9 back full time.
This is interesting. Hoping it means Dale Jr is gonna run a race next year https://t.co/sGDem2LVjC
— Tsuki02 (comms open) (@abysilade) October 21, 2025
