Trackhouse Racing Red Bull Sponsorship has been extended through a major announcement confirming Red Bull as the primary sponsor for 25 races in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series. The partnership, first established in 2025, will see both Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen prominently representing the iconic brand in next year’s season.
Expanded Partnership to Cover Majority of 2026 Season
Red Bull and Trackhouse Racing officially unveiled their expanded agreement, which guarantees a vibrant presence of Red Bull’s blue, red, and yellow branding on Trackhouse Chevrolets throughout 25 races in 2026. This comprehensive sponsorship marks a significant show of support for Trackhouse Racing’s rising talent. The campaign builds on an initial relationship forged in the 2025 season, signaling Red Bull’s commitment to both the team and NASCAR’s competitive landscape.
The 2026 schedule will see the Red Bull livery divided between two talented drivers: Rookie of the Year contender Connor Zilisch in the No. 88, and 2025 Rookie of the Year Shane van Gisbergen in the No. 97. Zilisch will be the first to drive the Red Bull car at the Daytona 500, the season’s opening event, taking place on February 15 at Daytona International Speedway. Van Gisbergen’s turn comes in the following race at EchoPark Speedway in Hampton, Georgia, on February 22.
Red Bull Unveils Special Paint Schemes and Car Numbers
Alongside the sponsorship announcement, Red Bull showcased the custom liveries that the drivers will use, custom-tailored to highlight their respective car numbers and personalities. The new paint schemes were revealed to both drivers, offering a first look at their 2026 Cup Series vehicles in person.
The No. 88 chevrolet/”>Chevrolet for Zilisch features striking blue accents, while van Gisbergen’s No. 97 car is highlighted with bold red detailing. Both designs reflect the dynamic energy and identity of the Red Bull brand and drew enthusiastic responses from the drivers upon their unveiling.
“Debuting 2️⃣ new @redbull schemes for 2026‼️ pic.twitter.com/VK7jdKOfBc”
— Trackhouse Racing (@TeamTrackhouse), November 25, 2025
Personal Significance of Racing Numbers for Zilisch and Van Gisbergen
Shane van Gisbergen, a native of New Zealand, will switch to the No. 97 next season — a number with deep roots for his family.
“It means a lot to have the number No. 97 on my Cup car,”
said van Gisbergen.
“It’s a number that means so much to my family and me, so to see it on my car for the first time was surreal. I love the red flash designs on both sides of the car. It’s going to look epic on the track.”
— Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
Van Gisbergen hopes to build on a record-breaking rookie year in the NASCAR Cup Series, which saw him claim five victories — a historic feat — and finish 12th in the championship standings.
Connor Zilisch, a standout in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with a ten-win 2025 season, will take the No. 88 full-time next season. The significance of this number, which has been carried by legends such as Darrell Waltrip, Bobby Allison, Buddy Baker, Dale Jarrett, and Dale Earnhardt Jr., adds weight to Zilisch’s 2026 debut.
“It’s so cool to be driving No. 88 in the Cup Series,”
Zilisch said.
“The number is historic and so many great drivers have driven it. I certainly have big shoes to fill but I can’t wait to get the season started. I love the blue streaks across the side of car. The dark matte blue allows the light blue streaks to pop. I’m excited to have it on track next year.”
— Connor Zilisch, Driver
Young Talent Set for High-Profile Season Openers
At just 19 years old, Zilisch will be the youngest Daytona 500 starter since Joey Logano in 2009, another testament to Trackhouse Racing’s focus on developing emerging talent. His part-time experience from last year and his dominant performance in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series suggest he is prepared for the challenges of the full Cup Series schedule. Other notable names, including his teammate Van Gisbergen, have also piloted the legendary No. 88 in the past.
Implications for the 2026 NASCAR Season
The substantial backing from Red Bull is poised to provide Trackhouse Racing with both financial power and heightened exposure heading into 2026. The commitment spotlights NASCAR’s growing appeal among marquee brands and fortifies Trackhouse Racing’s standing as a key player in the sport. As Zilisch and van Gisbergen prepare for the upcoming campaign with their eye-catching Red Bull schemes, expectations for impactful performances are high, and fans will be watching to see how these young drivers handle the pressure and opportunities that come with such a prominent partnership.
Debuting 2️⃣ new @redbull schemes for 2026‼️ pic.twitter.com/VK7jdKOfBc
— Trackhouse Racing (@TeamTrackhouse) November 25, 2025
