Shane van Gisbergen is set to drive the iconic No. 97 car for Trackhouse Racing in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, marking a heartfelt return to his roots and continuing his partnership with the team. This move not only revives a number with deep significance for the van Gisbergen family but also signals a new chapter of competition as his team prepares for another year in the ever-evolving NASCAR landscape, with the focus keyword Shane van Gisbergen Trackhouse Racing at the center of attention.
Trackhouse Racing Honors Legacy Numbers for Its Trio
For the upcoming 2026 season, Trackhouse Racing carefully selected car numbers that reflect each driver’s personal history and racing legacy. Shane van Gisbergen, who established himself in the racing world long before his full-time NASCAR journey, is returning to No. 97—a number cherished by him and his family. This change was made alongside Ross Chastain reclaiming the No. 1 car and Connor Zilisch moving to No. 88, continuing a tradition linked to Dale Earnhardt Jr. Zilisch had already left his mark in the Xfinity Series with that number, reinforcing the importance of such legacies within the team.
To celebrate this decision, Trackhouse Racing organized a series of personal letters from significant figures: Justin Marks wrote to Ross Chastain, Dale Earnhardt Jr. to Connor Zilisch, and a touching note from van Gisbergen’s father to his son. During a team video presentation, emotions ran high as van Gisbergen read the letter from his dad, visibly moved by memories of his late mother and the enduring value of the 97 car in their family’s racing heritage. For Shane van Gisbergen, this number represents much more than a simple identifier—it is a symbol of family tradition and the journey through motorsports.
“It’s more than just a car number. pic.twitter.com/kqEcZwP2Pw”— Trackhouse Racing (@TeamTrackhouse) November 7, 2025
As Trackhouse assembles van Gisbergen, Ross Chastain, and Connor Zilisch for the new season, the trio is being recognized as a formidable lineup in the Cup Series, rivaling powerhouse teams like Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Penske. Further anticipation surrounds Chevrolet, with the manufacturer set to introduce a new body style for the 2026 season, aiming to restore competitive balance against rivals Ford and Toyota by focusing on improvements to downforce and performance.
Shane van Gisbergen’s Unprecedented Rookie Success
Shane van Gisbergen’s first year in the Cup Series was historic, capturing five victories on road courses in 2025—a record for a rookie and an achievement that has helped define the current era of NASCAR competition. While many drivers require years to master the unique challenges of the schedule, van Gisbergen adapted quickly, especially on road courses where his international racing experience proved invaluable.
The transition to oval tracks, however, still offers new challenges. Although his statistics on ovals do not immediately stand out, his recent performances—such as a 14th place at Richmond, 10th at Kansas, and another 14th at Martinsville—suggest significant progress. Observers believe that his world-class talent and determination will soon translate to more consistent results on all track types. Martinsville, in particular, has shown promise for van Gisbergen, where he has quickly adapted to the demands of short-track racing. This type of circuit seems to favor drivers who can excel in challenging braking zones, reminiscent of the skills that have made AJ Allmendinger successful at Bristol.
The Road Ahead: Rivalries and Aspirations for 2026
Looking forward to 2026, van Gisbergen’s reunion with the 97 car is laden with expectations. He has already secured championships with that number earlier in his career and now seeks to continue his winning tradition in the Cup Series. Ironically, his stiffest competition on road courses may come from within Trackhouse, as his 19-year-old teammate Connor Zilisch has also demonstrated remarkable ability in these events. With Trackhouse Racing’s lineup and Chevy’s technical innovations on the horizon, the next season sets the stage for exciting intra-team battles and intense competition throughout the field.
As the sport moves into a season that promises plenty of change, from vehicle updates to roster adjustments, Shane van Gisbergen Trackhouse Racing remains a focal point for fans eager to see how legacies, technology, and rivalries will shape the next chapter of NASCAR history.
It's more than just a car number. pic.twitter.com/kqEcZwP2Pw
— Trackhouse Racing (@TeamTrackhouse) November 7, 2025
