Shane van Gisbergen will make an emotional switch to drive the No. 97 car for Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series beginning in 2026, a move that deeply resonates with his family’s history. The announcement, centered on his return to a storied number, marks a significant point in Shane van Gisbergen NASCAR Cup journey and underscores the strong connections to his racing roots.
Trackhouse Racing Unveils Heartfelt Return to No. 97 for Van Gisbergen
Trackhouse Racing revealed its upcoming driver lineup with Shane van Gisbergen taking the wheel of the No. 97, Connor Zilisch set to take over the No. 88, and Ross Chastain remaining in the No. 1 car. The team shared a video on social media that captured why the number 97 holds such importance for the van Gisbergen family. The post emphasized,
“It’s more than just a car number,”
The emotional video featured a message from Shane’s father, who explained the depth of the legacy attached to 97. He shared,
“Hi mate, I hear you’re running 97, NASCAR Cup Series next year. That means so much to our family.”
“Over the years, 97 was the legacy in New Zealand and Australia in all forms of motorsports. So proud you’re running it in USA. And, also, even when you won national titles, we are obliged to run #1. You still carried on, 97. So proud, mate.”
Moved by his father’s words, van Gisbergen grew emotional and was seen wiping away tears at the end of the video, expressing,
“The stuff he wrote about mom gets me.”
Shane’s strong connection to the No. 97 dates back to his career in the Supercars Championship in Australia and his family’s racing history. His father also raced with this number, cementing its sentimental value. Although van Gisbergen drove the No. 88 in 2025, his return to No. 97 in 2026 features a meaningful full-circle moment in his career.
Shifting Team Dynamics for 2026 NASCAR Cup Season
Further changes in the team lineup include Connor Zilisch transitioning to the No. 88, filling a spot previously held by Daniel Suarez, who has moved to Spire Motorsports. These adjustments reflect the evolving strategy at Trackhouse Racing as it prepares for the coming seasons, with Ross Chastain continuing to run the No. 1 car.
According to Frontstretch, van Gisbergen’s change represents more than a numerical swap; it’s an embrace of family tradition and pride. Trackhouse Racing’s leadership underscored their belief in the positive impact this move will have on the team dynamic and the fans following Shane’s career.
Van Gisbergen Reflects on Rookie NASCAR Cup Season
After completing the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, Shane van Gisbergen looked back with visible pride on his journey and achievements in his debut year. Having moved from the Supercars Championship, he faced high expectations and many doubters regarding his adaptation to NASCAR’s style, especially the challenges of oval-track racing. Despite this, van Gisbergen delivered consistent progress and earned recognition as Rookie of the Year for 2025.
Reflecting on his first season’s accomplishments, van Gisbergen shared his enthusiasm,
“I’ve really enjoyed it, and the wins have been great. That is more than we probably ever hoped for, but getting competitive on the ovals has been a plus, and I feel like we’ll have some good momentum going into next year. Our team isn’t changing much on the [No.] 88 car, so it’s pretty cool.”
Statistics from his initial NASCAR Cup campaign reveal steady improvement: van Gisbergen’s average finish in the first 14 oval races ranked 26.6, improving to 23.2 over the next 16 races. His top oval result came at Kansas Speedway, where he finished tenth during the postseason, showcasing both personal and team progress.
The Deeper Meaning Behind the Number 97 for Van Gisbergen
The return to racing with No. 97 in the NASCAR Cup Series is filled with pride and emotion for Shane van Gisbergen and his family, tightly linking his American challenge with his origins in New Zealand and Australia. This legacy, handed down by his father and celebrated by his family, adds a layer of personal significance to each future race.
As the 2026 season approaches, van Gisbergen’s story offers inspiration for fans and racers alike, reflecting determination, heritage, and the pursuit of new milestones at the highest levels of motorsport.
It's more than just a car number. pic.twitter.com/kqEcZwP2Pw
— Trackhouse Racing (@TeamTrackhouse) November 7, 2025
