In a move eagerly awaited by fans, Shane van Gisbergen will return to racing with No. 97 in the NASCAR Cup Series for Trackhouse Racing in 2026, strengthening the legacy of the famous number in his career. The return marks a full-circle moment in ongoing discussions about the relevance and history behind racing numbers, with “Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR 97” now set to become a major storyline going forward.
Van Gisbergen to Pilot No. 97 for Trackhouse Racing
After a year away from the number, Shane van Gisbergen will once again drive a No. 97 Chevrolet in the Cup Series. This comes after competing with the No. 88 during his previous NASCAR Cup season. The switch follows a strategic reshuffle within Trackhouse Racing as the organization looks to strengthen its identity across series and teams.
Connor Zilisch Moves to No. 88 for Upcoming Campaign
Meanwhile, Connor Zilisch, known for his success with the No. 88 in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, is set to take that same number for his rookie campaign in the Cup Series in 2026, also with Trackhouse Racing. Zilisch’s link to No. 88 continues to grow, but for van Gisbergen, No. 97 remains truly personal and deeply rooted in his career.
The Lasting Importance of Number 97 for SVG
Shane van Gisbergen’s connection to No. 97 began early, influenced by his father’s experiences on the track.
“My dad raced a Sprint Car, and when I started racing quarter midgets our cars were painted the same, and his number was 97. So we had the cars painted the same, had the same number and that was how it all started,”
SVG explained to Repco Supercars Championship in 2015.
“I was racing quad bikes as well with the same number and always … had that number.”
— SVG, Repco Supercars Championship, 2015.
Throughout his Supercars career, van Gisbergen maintained No. 97 and achieved the majority of his 80 victories with it. He then carried the number into his first full-time opportunity in the United States with Kaulig Racing’s Xfinity team before moving to No. 88 in 2025. Now, with a successful stint including five road course victories in the No. 88 car, van Gisbergen is poised for another chapter under the celebrated No. 97.
Achievements and Recent Performances
In his 2025 campaign with No. 88, van Gisbergen notched five Cup road course wins and showed steady improvement on ovals, finishing three of the last five oval races in 14th place or better. His performances included a 10th-place finish at Kansas and a strong showing at Las Vegas, where a late crash halted a top-10 run. SVG ultimately finished 12th in the NASCAR Cup Series points standings, besting notable drivers such as Alex Bowman, Austin Cindric, Austin Dillon, and Josh Berry. This upward trajectory highlights his adaptability in transitioning from the Supercars series to NASCAR’s demanding schedule, with Trackhouse Racing and Chevrolet backing his progress.
Looking Ahead at Trackhouse Racing
With Connor Zilisch making his Cup Series debut and SVG reigniting the significance of No. 97, Trackhouse Racing positions itself for a dynamic future. The return of the famed number not only celebrates van Gisbergen’s lasting legacy but also generates anticipation among fans eager to see what comes next in both his and the team’s journey. Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR 97 narrative continues, promising to keep his name—and his history—at the heart of the sport.
