Shane van Gisbergen’s selection of car number 97 for the Trackhouse Racing 2026 NASCAR Cup Series marks a sentimental milestone for both the driver and his family, as the team prepares for a season filled with legacy and new beginnings. This decision, coupled with high-profile sponsorships, signals the next phase in the careers of van Gisbergen and rookie teammate Connor Zilisch, both of whom are poised to make a significant impact on NASCAR’s main stage in the upcoming year.
Trackhouse Racing’s Expansion and Driver Roster for 2026
Trackhouse Racing, which added a new charter last year, has been shaping its lineup strategically for the 2026 season. After recruiting Shane van Gisbergen from New Zealand, the team also made a notable change by replacing Daniel Suarez with young prodigy Connor Zilisch. Zilisch, who found his footing with JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series, will step into a full-time Cup Series seat behind the wheel of the #88 Chevy Camaro ZL1, bringing fresh talent and high expectations to the roster. Van Gisbergen, on the other hand, gets to carry the #97—an emblem deeply rooted in his family’s history on racetracks in New Zealand and Australia.
Legacy and Sentiment Behind the Numbers
The role of car numbers in NASCAR often transcends mere identification, carrying personal and historical weight. For Connor Zilisch, the #88 has a storied past, and two-time Xfinity Series champion Dale Earnhardt Jr. conveyed the importance of this heritage in a special exchange with the young racer:
“I always knew you had the talent at heart, and now I couldn’t be more proud to say you will bring the 88 forward into the Cup Series with Trackhouse Racing. The story of the 88 is far from finished, and now it’s your turn to write the next chapter, and we’re all here. Your friend, Dale Earnhardt Jr.”
Zilisch has already demonstrated remarkable skill, securing ten wins, twenty-three top-tens, twenty top-fives, and eight pole positions in just thirty-two Xfinity Series starts for JR Motorsports in 2025. With strong accolades supporting him, Zilisch moves forward under the watchful eye of both fans and racing legends.
For van Gisbergen, donning the #97 car is more than a career milestone—it is a tribute to his family legacy. His father, Robert van Gisbergen, highlighted the emotional significance of the number in a heartfelt message:
“Hear you’re running the 97 in the NASCAR Cup Series next year. That means so much to our family. Mum would have been absolutely proud. Over the years, 97 was the legacy in New Zealand and Australia and all forms of motorsports. And also, even when you won national titles, we were obliged to run number one. You still carried on 97.”
Shane van Gisbergen has also proven himself on American soil, closing the year with five Cup Series victories, seven top-ten results, five top-fives, and three pole positions—demonstrating his adaptability and racing talent on NASCAR’s competitive stage.
Major Sponsorships Fueling 2026 Ambitions
Trackhouse Racing announced a significant partnership with the global energy drink brand Red Bull ahead of the 2026 season. Launched on November 25, 2025, the collaboration will back both Zilisch and van Gisbergen throughout the year. Red Bull’s sponsorship brings visually striking car designs, featuring a matte blue finish adorned with the iconic bull mascot and bold logos. Zilisch will showcase the Red Bull colors at the Daytona 500, the opening race of the season on February 15, 2026, while van Gisbergen will pilot the Red Bull-branded #97 Chevy at EchoPark Speedway shortly afterward.
Van Gisbergen expressed his excitement about the new look and the deeper personal connection he feels:
“It means a lot to have the number No. 97 on my Cup car. 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
Historic Achievements Add Momentum
The team enters 2026 with exceptional momentum. Shane van Gisbergen made headlines as the first driver since Jeff Gordon to secure three consecutive road course Cup Series wins from pole position, and also triumphed at the inaugural international Cup Series contest at Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez. These feats, along with Zilisch’s prolific Xfinity Series season, underscore why both racers are considered impactful additions for the upcoming campaign.
What the Future Holds for Trackhouse Racing and Its Drivers
Trackhouse Racing’s focus on honoring legacy while embracing new talent, seen in both car numbers and partnerships, positions the team for a dynamic 2026 season. Shane van Gisbergen’s 2026 NASCAR campaign is deeply personal, intertwining family pride, racing tradition, and a determination to succeed on one of motorsports’ grandest stages. With the support of a major sponsor and a promising rookie alongside, van Gisbergen and Zilisch are set to shape the next era of NASCAR competition, capturing the attention of fans in the U.S., New Zealand, Australia, and beyond.
