Shane van Gisbergen acknowledged Kurt Busch‘s comments on his NASCAR career after Trackhouse Racing confirmed his move to drive the No. 97 Chevy Camaro for the 2026 Cup Series, bringing renewed attention to Kurt Busch NASCAR achievements. The decision follows a series of major changes, including Connor Zilisch transitioning to a full-time Cup Series role with the No. 88, as Gisbergen prepares for his second complete season at this elite level.
Gisbergen’s New Role and Racing Accomplishments
The 2026 season represents continuity and growth for Shane van Gisbergen as he relinquishes the No. 88 to Connor Zilisch, who will join the Cup Series as a rookie. In his previous season, Gisbergen impressed fans and analysts by finishing 12th in overall points, tallying five wins, five top-five finishes, and seven appearances in the top ten. His promising entry also earned him the 2025 Sunoco Rookie of the Year title, an indication of his rapid adjustment to NASCAR’s top tier.
Kurt Busch Shares Memories and Encouragement
Kurt Busch, a respected veteran with a deep history in the No. 97 car, expressed admiration for Gisbergen online. Busch previously drove the No. 97 at Roush Racing and secured a landmark victory with his 2004 NASCAR Cup Series championship using that number. Offering personal recollections, Busch wrote,
“I remember meeting you in Chicago 2022 before you won your first race in your first Cup start. I could sense that you would be great. I also asked where the origin of the #97 came from. You said family. I am so proud that the #97 is back in @nascar – make it great again!”
– Kurt Busch, Former NASCAR Cup Series Champion
Gisbergen responded simply and succinctly by sharing Busch’s message and writing, “Thanks @kurtbusch.” on his Instagram stories, highlighting the mutual respect between the two drivers and underlining the emotional connection behind the number.
The No. 97’s Legacy in NASCAR History
The No. 97 boasts a significant legacy in NASCAR, having been piloted by legends like Bill Elliott, Cale Yarborough, Mario Andretti, and Ned Jarrett over the decades. However, Kurt Busch’s era stands out, as he accumulated 14 race wins with the number in 184 starts, cementing the 97’s reputation as an iconic, championship-winning car in NASCAR history.
Family Ties Make the Move Meaningful for Gisbergen
Beyond the racing track, the No. 97 holds deep personal meaning for Shane van Gisbergen. His father, Robert, previously ran the number in motocross and rally events, making the chance to race under the same number at NASCAR’s highest level especially poignant for the Auckland-born driver.
After the announcement, Robert wrote a heartfelt letter to his son, which Gisbergen read aloud during a Trackhouse Racing video shoot, unable to hide his strong emotions as he reflected on their shared history. Robert shared,
“I hear you’re running 97, NASCAR Cup Series next year. It means so much to our family. Right from the beginning, both of us ran 97 in motocross. We both ran it in speedway. Mum would have been absolutely trapped.”
– Robert van Gisbergen, Shane’s Father
The moment carried added weight for the family, following the loss of Shane’s mother, Karen, in April 2024. Overcome with emotion, Gisbergen replied,
“Yeah, that’s nice. The stuff he wrote about mum gets me, so, yeah.”
– Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
Daytona 500 Marks a Fresh Chapter
Looking ahead, Shane van Gisbergen is set to make his No. 97 debut at the prestigious Daytona 500 on February 15, 2026. The event is one of NASCAR’s biggest, adding pressure and excitement to this new phase of his career and setting the stage for further Kurt Busch NASCAR achievements to be measured and potentially matched or exceeded.
The legacy of the No. 97 car, intertwined with memories, family, and top-tier racing success, will be front and center as van Gisbergen embarks on this new journey under the Trackhouse Racing banner, watched eagerly by fans and legends like Kurt Busch alike.
