Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR journey reveals a story of ambition that’s tempered by reality, as the New Zealander’s personal adaptation in America and the behind-the-scenes obstacles at Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91 program have come to light. These insights surfaced just as expectations soared for global expansion in the NASCAR Cup Series, with fans eager to see more international drivers in the premier circle.
Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91: Ambition Confronts Practical Limits
Project 91, spearheaded by Trackhouse Racing’s co-owner Justin Marks, was envisioned as a gateway to bring world-renowned racers into NASCAR’s top ranks on a part-time basis. Marks once anticipated the program’s quick return after its initial splash, stating,
I would bet on it coming back in ’26, and we’re pretty close to getting that deal done. There’s some good opportunities.
– Justin Marks, Trackhouse Racing Co-Owner.
This optimism was grounded in strong support from Red Bull and the buzz that followed Project 91’s debut. Legendary names, including Formula One champion Kimi Raikkonen, took the wheel of the No. 91 Chevrolet at Watkins Glen, setting the tone for what Project 91 could achieve. It was Shane van Gisbergen (SVG) himself who shocked the field by winning the first-ever NASCAR Chicago Street Race on his Cup debut, instantly establishing credibility for the concept and raising expectations among drivers and fans worldwide.
The Reality of Integrating International Talent
Despite headline successes, Project 91’s operation proved much more complex. The program’s flexibility—once considered its main advantage—was increasingly restricted by tricky logistics, sponsor priorities, and resource constraints within Trackhouse Racing. SVG, speaking with the Dinner with Racers podcast hosts, hinted at the unspoken complications, observing,
Like Justin would give him (Will Power) a go in Project 91 any day of the week. But I guess they can’t, you know?
– Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver. SVG’s candid comment stoked curiosity about what was really happening.
Bringing additional international stars on board is not simply a matter of invitation. Competing priorities, such as scheduling conflicts with full-time commitments in Formula One, IndyCar, or Supercars, present major hurdles. Every appearance demands careful alignment between race schedules, manufacturer support, and team availability. With Trackhouse already running three full-time Cup entries, bandwidth is stretched thin, making consistent Project 91 outings a challenge even with enthusiastic sponsors like Red Bull. There have also been hints that Red Bull’s involvement could tilt choices toward race car drivers closely tied to its brand, further narrowing options for outside talent.
The selection of which events to enter isn’t dominated by fan interest alone. Business strategy, sponsor approval, and whether a driver can fully commit all play crucial roles. The goal to put the fastest, most exciting names in the car is weighed against the realities of international racing calendars and the resources that Trackhouse Racing must allocate to its core Cup Series contenders.
Marks and SVG Pursuing Parallel Goals
Justin Marks maintains clear intent to continue Project 91, though he now frames its status as evolving rather than dormant. Underneath the headlines, the project is being carefully curated, with each move calculated for maximum impact and viability.
While Marks fine-tunes the future of Project 91, Shane van Gisbergen has shifted his own focus. The Kiwi driver is now fully dedicated to mastering NASCAR’s oval tracks, seeking to strengthen his credentials in the series’ most defining discipline.
Learning from the Best: SVG’s Oval Education
SVG’s foray into the world of oval racing has been marked by rapid improvement and close observation. One key influence has been reigning champion Kyle Larson, whose versatility and precision on ovals have set a benchmark for even experienced circuit racers like van Gisbergen.
SVG has openly spoken about what he learns by watching Larson at work, remarking,
Like you watch someone like Larson, Kyle Larson, he’s amazing at switching lines on corner entry to get clean air,
– Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver. He added,
And running a line they haven’t done or a line that someone else hasn’t done like it’s. They’re amazing to watch these guys and normally just deal with the understeering you got.
– Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver.
Kyle Larson’s championship drive was characterized by relentless adaptability, reading evolving track conditions and executing bold strategy calls. Notching three Cup Series wins, multiple top-five, and ten top-10 finishes over the season, Larson provided a model of consistency and skill on America’s classic oval circuits—attributes that SVG has tried to emulate during his rookie campaign.
SVG’s Steady Growth in NASCAR’s Ovals
After a dominant start on road and street courses, including five wins and seven overall victories, van Gisbergen quickly encountered the steeper learning curve presented by oval racing. Early outings were modest, but he steadily moved forward through the pack at tracks such as Michigan and Darlington. A breakthrough arrived with a top-10 finish at Kansas Speedway, and dependable results at Charlotte and Richmond suggested that the complex world of ovals was no longer as daunting.
This progress positions SVG as a fascinating contender for the upcoming season. With one full year of American racing under his belt, extensive race data to review, and the advantage of observing stars like Kyle Larson, van Gisbergen aims to build on his achievements and close the gap between his road course expertise and his evolving oval prowess.
The Stakes for Project 91 and American Motorsport
Shane van Gisbergen’s NASCAR journey offers more than a personal success story—it places a spotlight on the challenges of opening the traditionally American racing series to top-flight international talent. Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91, while ambitious and groundbreaking, faces an uphill path as business realities and the global racing calendar compete with dreams of world-class competition every weekend.
As Project 91 recalibrates, Justin Marks’ commitment to its return remains strong. Meanwhile, van Gisbergen’s dedication to improving on oval tracks is certain to draw attention in the upcoming season, as fans and fellow drivers alike watch to see if the Kiwi can translate his past successes into even greater heights on American soil. As the balance between bold experiment and operational reality continues to unfold, the next chapter of both SVG and Project 91 will help define just how global the NASCAR Cup Series can become.
