Trackhouse Racing has unveiled its striking 2026 Red Bull NASCAR cars for Shane van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch, placing the Shane van Gisbergen Red Bull NASCAR partnership at the center of an expanded 25-race deal, with Red Bull becoming Trackhouse’s exclusive energy drink partner. The announcement brings fresh excitement as van Gisbergen and Zilisch prepare to race under dynamic new liveries and continue their momentum from breakout rookie seasons in Concord, North Carolina.
Red Bull and Trackhouse Expand Partnership for 2026 NASCAR Cup Series
Red Bull will be the main sponsor for 25 races with Trackhouse Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch during the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, reinforcing a relationship that started at the beginning of 2025. The brand also becomes the official energy drink for the team, building on a partnership that has already produced thrilling results in both the Cup and Xfinity Series.
Connor Zilisch will debut the eye-catching Red Bull design on February 15, 2026, at the legendary Daytona 500, making history as the youngest Daytona 500 competitor since Joey Logano in 2009. Shane van Gisbergen, a six-time Cup Series winner and New Zealand native, will drive the Red Bull Chevrolet for the first time in 2026 at EchoPark Speedway (formerly Atlanta) on February 22.
New 2026 Red Bull Paint Schemes Captivate Fans and Drivers
The 2026 Red Bull cars feature a bold matte dark blue finish, meticulously detailed with shimmering highlights to emphasize the car numbers and add a powerful presence on the NASCAR circuits. Fans can spot van Gisbergen’s No. 97 Chevrolet by its dynamic red rays, cascading from the lower front tire to the rear, while Zilisch’s No. 88 stands out with bold blue rays stretching across both sides.
The two drivers recently previewed their new numbers, displayed prominently in the revamped Red Bull colors, generating anticipation for their on-track debuts as Red Bull athletes.
“It means a lot to have the number No. 97 on my Cup car,”
van Gisbergen said.
“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
Zilisch, who is set to become a full-time Cup Series driver as a rookie in 2026, shared his excitement after viewing his new race car for the first time.
“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 the 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
Breakout Success for Van Gisbergen and Zilisch with Red Bull in 2025
The partnership between Red Bull and Trackhouse began with a bang, as both Shane van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch achieved remarkable rookie seasons in 2025. Van Gisbergen, quickly becoming one of NASCAR’s top road-course racers, set a new record with five Cup Series victories as a first-year competitor, surpassing previous benchmarks and joining legendary drivers like Jeff Gordon and Dan Gurney among elite company.
His debut win came at the inaugural Cup Series race at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, making van Gisbergen a two-time winner of inaugural Cup events after his 2023 Chicago Street Race triumph. Notably, his dominant performance at Sonoma Raceway saw him lead 97 out of 110 laps and brought the Red Bull livery back to Victory Lane for the first time since 2011. Van Gisbergen’s win at Watkins Glen International solidified his place as the fastest driver to reach five Cup Series wins since Dan Gurney’s feat in 1968, and he earned NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year honors with a masterclass season.
Zilisch, meanwhile, enjoyed an exceptional run in the 2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series, finishing second overall in the final driver standings and achieving 10 victories in 32 races, with an impressive streak of nine wins in his last 18 starts. The young racer captured the regular-season title, the first since the introduction of the playoff era to do so despite missing a race, and tied the all-time record with four straight wins, matching Sam Ard and Noah Gragson. Zilisch also led the series in wins, poles, and top-five finishes, further cementing his place as an emerging force in motorsports, and collected Sunoco Rookie of the Year honors in record-breaking fashion by setting new rookie marks across multiple categories.
Major Moments and Milestones Leading Into the 2026 Season
Zilisch’s entry into the Cup Series was highlighted by the Red Bull partnership during his debut at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas, followed by appearances at Charlotte Motor Speedway and EchoPark Speedway. The impact of Red Bull’s presence was evident throughout his rookie campaign and played a crucial role in both his exposure and competitive results.
Beyond NASCAR, Trackhouse Racing and Red Bull teamed up for a special appearance at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, England. Team owner Justin Marks piloted the No. 87 Red Bull Chevrolet in the iconic hill climb event, while Red Bull athlete ‘Mad’ Mike Whiddett joined as a guest driver, further showcasing the brand’s global reach and enthusiasm for motorsports. The Goodwood Festival of Speed annually draws top drivers, modern and historic vehicles, and a passionate fan base to Goodwood House for a series of high-energy racing showcases.
What’s Ahead for Shane van Gisbergen, Zilisch, and Trackhouse Racing
The energetic and passionate promise of the Shane van Gisbergen Red Bull NASCAR collaboration is fueling high expectations for 2026, as both van Gisbergen and Zilisch drive into the season equipped with eye-catching cars and a thirst for further success. With Red Bull strengthening its ties to Trackhouse Racing and NASCAR, fans can expect to see continued bold performances, innovation, and new rivalries on the track, especially at venues like Daytona International Speedway, Sonoma Raceway, and Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
As Zilisch sets out to make his mark as the youngest Daytona 500 competitor since Joey Logano and van Gisbergen builds on his elite road-course achievements, all eyes will be on these two drivers and their thrilling Red Bull cars throughout the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.
