Trackhouse gives van Gisbergen No. 97 back for 2026

Trackhouse Racing has finalized its three-team NASCAR Cup Series line-up for 2026, which will reunite Shane van Gisbergen with a familiar car number.

The New Zealander will pilot the No. 97 Chevrolet in his second season at the Cup Series level. It is the number van Gisbergen drove during his Australian Supercars career, during which he amassed 80 wins and three championships. It was also the number van Gisbergen used in the Xfinity Series when he moved to NASCAR. But more importantly, it is the number that Robert van Gisbergen, Shane’s father, also used during his racing career.

“It’s awesome to carry a car number that is so special to me,” van Gisbergen said. “When Justin [Marks, Trackhouse owner] offered me the opportunity to change to the No. 97, it was pretty special. It’s a number that means a lot to my family and me. My dad used it in his racing career, so when I started racing, I wanted to use it too, and then basically I’ve used the No. 97 in everything since.

“I’ve had many special moments with that number, and it’s cool to get the opportunity to create even more in the Cup Series.”

Van Gisbergen will remain paired with crew chief Stephen Doran next season. The duo won five races and finished 12th in the Cup Series standings in their first year together.

“The 2025 season was pretty special, but I’m already starting to look ahead to 2026 and see where we can improve and build off our past success,” Doran said. “Shane is one of the best road course drivers NASCAR has ever seen, and it’s an honor to be part of it. Just being able to build from the very beginning with Shane and adapt to his driving style and learn off each other, it’s special. I’m really looking forward to accomplishing more together next season.”

Connor Zilisch, meanwhile, will move into the No. 88 Chevrolet for his rookie season. It’s the number van Gisbergen used this past season. Zilisch was previously announced as being paired with Randall Burnett beginning in 2026.

“It’s cool for me to carry on the legacy of the 88 number,” Zilisch said. “That number has quickly become important to me, and the history of that number in the sport with Shane, Dale [Earnhardt] Jr., Dale Jarrett, and everyone who has run the 88. I certainly have big shoes to fill, but hopefully I’ll be able to carry that on. I’m really excited to be working with Randall in 2026. We have already started working on how we’re going to approach next season. I feel like we are starting to build that relationship, which is very important. I’m looking forward to learning a lot from Randall and his experience in this sport.”

Burnett joins Trackhouse Racing after spending the last six years as a Cup Series crew chief for Richard Childress Racing. He won six races with drivers Tyler Reddick and Kyle Busch.

“Connor is a talented young driver and has been successful in other racing series,” Burnett said. “To be the guy who will guide him in his first full Cup season and doing it at Trackhouse is a privilege. He’s very energetic and dedicated to being a successful driver.”

Ross Chastain will remain in the No. 1 Chevrolet. He will be paired with Brandon McSwain, as RACER first reported.

“I’m thrilled to have Brandon McSwain as my crew chief next year,” Chastain said. “I worked with Brandon very early in my career and he has a lot of talent and experience as a race engineer. He’s someone I’ve kept my eye on for a while in case the chance to work together ever came to fruition and I’m looking forward to getting started.”

McSwain replaces Phil Surgen in the role. Surgen, who has chosen to come off the race, and Chastain won six races together.

“Becoming a crew chief and working with Trackhouse and Ross is a huge opportunity in my career,” McSwain said. “Ross is dedicated to the sport and puts a lot of time and effort into his craft. I’m looking forward to helping him continue his success while taking the next step in my career. I appreciate Ross believing in me and can’t wait to get started.”