Shane van Gisbergen is preparing for what could be his most demanding NASCAR challenge, as new rules for the NASCAR Cup Series are set to take effect in 2026, altering the path to the playoffs and highlighting season-long consistency instead of single race wins. The new structure means that van Gisbergen, famous for his road course strength, now must prove he can contend equally on ovals if he hopes to compete for a championship under this evolved NASCAR format.
NASCAR’s Revised Playoff Format Raises the Stakes
The shift in the NASCAR Cup Series means that a single road course win will no longer secure a spot in the Chase for Shane van Gisbergen. The governing body has unveiled the return of the traditional Chase format for 2026 and beyond, ending the elimination playoff rounds that have decided champions in recent years. This update puts an emphasis on reliability and points earned throughout the entire Cup season, a notable change from the prior “win and you’re in” approach. Now, securing a playoff berth involves careful accumulation of regular-season points, and the driver who leads in points after the postseason races becomes champion.
For van Gisbergen, adapting will be critical. As a newcomer to full-time NASCAR last season, he established an impressive reputation by dominating five out of six road course events, a remarkable feat for a rookie Cup driver. However, his form on NASCAR’s oval circuits has highlighted an area needing improvement. Apart from a single top-ten showing at Kansas Speedway, he encountered challenges throughout the campaign when racing on these traditional tracks.
These changes personalize the challenge van Gisbergen faces—a need to broaden his skills beyond road courses. The Cup Series’ new format no longer rewards a handful of standout performances, but rather consistent competitive runs throughout the regular season and postseason. For the New Zealander, improving his oval technique and aiming for regular points will be the blueprint for success under these revised rules.
Symbolic Change: Adopting the Legendary #97 for the 2026 Season
In addition to adapting his race approach, Shane van Gisbergen will also see a change to his car number for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series. He will switch from #88 to #97, a number deeply connected to his family’s history in the sport. His father, Robert, once raced with #97, and van Gisbergen has proudly displayed the number during his Supercars career, where he clinched multiple titles.
Describing the significance of this change, van Gisbergen shared a personal reflection:
“It means a lot to have the 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 track.”
—Shane van Gisbergen, Driver
This new car number will debut with Trackhouse Racing as van Gisbergen returns for his second full NASCAR Cup Series season. Fans can catch his first outing in the #97 at Bowman Gray Stadium, when the new season kicks off on Sunday, February 1.
Van Gisbergen’s Road Ahead in NASCAR
Shane van Gisbergen’s journey exemplifies the evolving nature of NASCAR’s competitive landscape, where adaptability and tenacity are crucial for any driver aiming for the playoffs and a shot at the season title. Should he rise to the challenge—learning from his rookie campaign, enhancing his performance at oval tracks, and leveraging his proven expertise on road courses—he could become a consistent contender in the Chase format. Drivers and fans alike are watching closely, recognizing that the 2026 season will set the tone for a new era, where skill across all track types is required to compete for the NASCAR Cup Series championship.
