Shane van Gisbergen No. 97 will once again take center stage in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series as the New Zealander prepares to honor his family’s racing legacy. In a moving turn of events, the Trackhouse Racing Team announced their full driver lineup for next season, placing van Gisbergen in the iconic number that has defined his personal and professional journey.
After an electrifying rookie season with the No. 88 car, filled with record-breaking wins and celebrated performances on some of NASCAR’s toughest circuits, van Gisbergen will leave that number behind to run the No. 97—a tribute to his father, his late mother, and the van Gisbergen family’s storied motorsport heritage. This change was revealed through a heartfelt video that left the usually stoic driver visibly emotional, resonating with both devoted followers and newcomers to his remarkable story.
Unforgettable 2025 Rookie Year Sets the Stage
Van Gisbergen’s 2025 performance in Trackhouse Racing’s No. 88 Chevrolet was nothing short of extraordinary. Despite being new to the full-time NASCAR Cup Series, he quickly became the grid’s standout on road courses, notching five Cup wins and leading more than 300 laps throughout the season. He notably swept the Chicago weekend, dominated the first-ever Mexico City event with an astonishing 16-second victory, and took the pole-to-win at Sonoma, becoming the fastest driver since the 1960s to reach four triumphs in the series.
While he excelled on road and street courses, van Gisbergen openly acknowledged the challenge of transitioning to oval racing—a learning curve that tested him throughout the year. Nevertheless, his consistent podiums, top-10 finishes, and adaptability showcased a level of talent that set the bar high for the next wave of international stars entering NASCAR.
His remarkable showing caught the eye of fans and rivals alike, cementing his status as an elite competitor and inspiring optimism about what lies ahead with the return to his family’s symbolic digits.
A Race Number Steeped in Tradition
The decision to move Shane van Gisbergen to the No. 97 car was more than a numerical swap for Trackhouse Racing; it marked a deep return to origins. The No. 97 is synonymous with the van Gisbergen name, dating back to races in New Zealand, dirt tracks, and national championships where both Shane and his father, Robert van Gisbergen, competed with the same number.
On the announcement video, every Trackhouse Racing driver read an emotional letter authored by someone important to their careers. Ross Chastain received words from team co-owner Justin Marks. For new recruit Connor Zilisch, it was a letter from Dale Earnhardt Jr. But for Shane van Gisbergen, the most personal words came from his father:
“Hello mate, I hear you’re going to run the #97 Cup Series next year. It means so much to our family. Both of us ran 97 in motocross, we both ran it in Speedway, and Mum would have been absolutely proud. Over the years, #97 has had a legacy in New Zealand and Australia across all forms of motorsport. So proud of you for running it in the USA. Even when you won national titles, we are obliged to run #1. You still carried on #97. So proud, mate.”
— Robert van Gisbergen, Father
The moment was so powerful that van Gisbergen, often described as composed under pressure, was momentarily overwhelmed and unable to speak, underscoring the significance of this chapter in his career.
For the van Gisbergen family, No. 97 extends far beyond a decal—it is a living link across generations, victories, and cherished memories. Shane famously kept the number through his championship-winning Supercars career in Australia, choosing to represent his roots even after earning the champion’s No. 1. Now, in American NASCAR, this return brings added meaning not just for the driver, but for every fan and family member who watched his journey unfold from humble beginnings on New Zealand’s kart circuits.
A Video Tribute Captures Racing’s Human Spirit
The Trackhouse Racing announcement video highlighted not just organizational changes but celebrated the human stories within the team. For Ross Chastain, already an established contender, Justin Marks wrote,
“You delivered the first win in Trackhouse history and the first driver to win the Coke 600 from the rear in a backup car. And of course, the first to pull off that wall ride at Martinsville.”
— Justin Marks, Trackhouse Racing Owner
This tribute reflected Chastain’s journey with the No. 1 Chevrolet, emphasizing moments like the viral “Hail Melon” at Martinsville that electrified the fan base and underscored Trackhouse Racing’s reputation for bold innovation and resilience.
Connor Zilisch, just 19 years old, received his letter from Dale Earnhardt Jr., a NASCAR legend whose name is closely tied to the No. 88:
“You ignited a new chapter with the 88, one written in your own style, from breaking records to delivering JR Motorsports’ 100th win as an organization.”
— Dale Earnhardt Jr.
For Zilisch, the words recognized his impact in the Xfinity Series and symbolized a welcoming of the next generation of racing talent.
The video announcement for van Gisbergen was especially poignant. As he read his father’s words, emotion overcame him; in that moment, viewers witnessed not just a racing update but a story defined by shared pride, family remembrance, and cultural tradition. The video emphasized,
“It’s more than just a car number,”
reminding viewers that every choice of livery carries stories that resonate far beyond the finish line.
Full-Circle Moment: The No. 97 Legacy Returns to American Soil
For longtime fans, seeing Shane van Gisbergen back in a No. 97 car is both nostalgic and exhilarating. He first made history in 2023 by winning his Cup Series debut on the streets of Chicago, setting the tone for a remarkable adaptation to American stock car racing. His career trajectory since then—marked by championships in Australia, massive oval learning curves, and personal growth—has been punctuated by moments where the No. 97 was more than a competitor’s identifier; it became a badge of honor and a symbol of family legacy.
Van Gisbergen’s story also highlights the internationalization of NASCAR, bringing New Zealand and Australia’s rich racing heritage to American speedways. Trackhouse Racing’s lineup announcement further solidified this trend by celebrating individual stories within a team-centric environment that values both performance and personality.
As the video faded out, a teary van Gisbergen was seen whispering, “For Mum.” That single gesture summed up why family numbers—like 97—possess such resonance in the world of motorsport. They encapsulate decades of dreams, victories, and memories, preserved in a number that carries meaning across time and continents.
Trackhouse Racing Prepares for a New Era
While van Gisbergen’s homecoming made headlines, the entire Trackhouse Racing organization is gearing up for one of the most anticipated seasons in its young history. Ross Chastain remains a mainstay in the No. 1 Chevrolet, bringing continued leadership and memories of dramatic moments like clinching the Coke 600 from the back of the grid.
Connor Zilisch is set for his Cup debut, poised to replace Daniel Suarez after impressing in the Xfinity Series and earning accolades from legends like Dale Earnhardt Jr. This blend of established veterans and rising stars creates a dynamic environment where mentorship, innovation, and ambition intersect.
Trackhouse Racing’s unique video tribute—focusing on legacy, gratitude, and personal connections—set a new standard for how teams communicate momentous changes. Rather than relying on a standard press conference, the organization chose to highlight the bonds linking its drivers, managers, and fans. This authentic, emotionally charged approach not only strengthened the sense of community but also underscored why motorsport thrives on its stories as much as its statistics.
Youthful Ambition: Connor Zilisch’s Endurance Racing Dreams
At just 19 years old, Connor Zilisch is emerging as a significant talent on multiple fronts. Shortly after the Trackhouse announcement, it was revealed he will share the #31 Action Express Racing Cadillac V-Series.R with Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, and Frederik Vesti at the IMSA-sanctioned test in Daytona, scheduled for November 14–16. Zilisch has already captured two LMP2 class wins in the IMSA SportsCar Championship and now aims to secure a GTP drive for the upcoming season-opening Daytona 24 Hours.
“Hopefully, we’re going to make the most of it and see if this can lead to more opportunities for me in the Cadillac, because it would be super cool for me to be able to race at the highest levels of endurance racing,”
— Connor Zilisch
“That’s always been a dream of mine.”
— Connor Zilisch
This opportunity follows disappointment for Zilisch, who missed out on driving in the World Endurance Championship’s Bahrain rookie test due to a lack of required ACCUS license points. The setback resulted from his narrowly missing the Xfinity Series title to Jesse Love, illustrating how licensing barriers can delay young talent’s progression to the global stage.
Zilisch’s advancement into top-tier endurance racing is widely anticipated, as his rapid rise has been marked by adaptability and perseverance. His pathway bears watching as he prepares for a NASCAR Cup Series drive in 2026 and seeks to build a name in Cadillac’s factory programs.
Joining the Daytona test are also prominent names such as Colton Herta—Cadillac Formula 1 reserve bound for F2 next year—demonstrating the crossover appeal between major racing platforms and the broad appeal of the upcoming events in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Significance of the 2026 Trackhouse Team and the Road Ahead
The announcement of Shane van Gisbergen’s move to the No. 97 car was more than a seasonal update—it was a moment that united history, personal achievement, and the hopeful future of NASCAR. By choosing to highlight each driver’s journey through personal letters and emotional tributes, Trackhouse Racing strengthened its identity as a team committed to tradition, innovation, and diversity.
For van Gisbergen, the switch to No. 97 is a full-circle homecoming, symbolizing his connection to New Zealand, his family, and the values that shaped his career. For Ross Chastain, it’s a reaffirmation of the resilience and boldness that define Trackhouse. For Connor Zilisch, it’s the culmination of youthful ambition and the promise of new horizons in both NASCAR and endurance racing.
This transition not only sets the stage for an exciting 2026 Cup Series but reinforces the essence of motorsport: stories that go deeper than the leaderboard. As the season approaches and new rivalries emerge, the legacies built by family, perseverance, and passion will continue driving Trackhouse Racing—and its fans—forward.
In 2026 and beyond, the presence of Shane van Gisbergen No. 97 represents an enduring tribute to history and family, ensuring that every lap run in those colors speaks both to the sport’s future and its cherished past.
It's more than just a car number. pic.twitter.com/kqEcZwP2Pw
— Trackhouse Racing (@TeamTrackhouse) November 7, 2025
