Trackhouse Racing has officially welcomed Shane van Gisbergen as their third driver for the upcoming 2025 Cup Series season, where he will be behind the wheel of the #88 Chevy. The Supercars sensation is currently racing full-time in the Xfinity Series for Kaulig Racing, in collaboration with Trackhouse, driving the #97 Chevy.
With Zane Smith’s exit from the Justin Marks-led team, Trackhouse Racing has promoted van Gisbergen to NASCAR’s top tier, potentially utilizing a charter acquired from Stewart-Haas Racing. The 35-year-old will join forces with Ross Chastain and Daniel Suarez in the team’s lineup for the 2025 Cup Series.
Recently, Trackhouse Racing took to X to announce their updated 2025 Cup Series roster, featuring van Gisbergen as their third charter entry. Additionally, Smith’s former crew chief is set to lead the newly established #88 Cup Series teamNASCAR icon Dale Earnhardt Jr. once piloted the legendary #88 car while racing for Hendrick Motorsports. After the announcement of Shane van Gisbergen taking the wheel of the #88, Dale Jr. shared his thoughts on X.
“I had the privilege of racing with several numbers steeped in history. I’m thrilled to see @shanevg97 and @TeamTrackhouse write a new chapter for it. The 88 will be in great hands,” Dale Jr. expressed.
“I truly feel at home here,” said Shane van Gisbergen regarding his rookie season in NASCAR.
Recently, Shane van Gisbergen reflected on his first full-time season in NASCAR. The New Zealand driver made waves by clinching victory at the inaugural Chicago Street race during his Cup Series debut last year.
In a recent interview with Speedcafe, the three-time Supercars champion discussed his return to the fast-paced world of racing following the Paris Olympics. He mentioned:
During this three-week break, I found myself contemplating how I would feel halfway through the year—whether I would be feeling burnt out, disinterested, or simply tired of racing. After spending a week on holiday, I returned rejuvenated and ready to dive back in, but the last couple of weeks have left me feeling a bit restless.
“I have a passion for racing. NASCAR has been a joy for me, and I look forward to it every week. It feels like I truly belong here, and this has been a remarkable shift in my career. It’s definitely a change; it feels like a whole new sport compared to my previous experiences. The timing for this transition couldn’t have been better,” Gisbergen expressed.
In his part-time Cup Series journey this season, van Gisbergen has been behind the wheel of the #16 Chevy for Kaulig Racing. He has already participated in four races with the team and is gearing up for seven more in the upcoming 2024 Cup Series season.
Currently, Shane van Gisbergen is positioned at P12 in the Xfinity Series standings, boasting three wins, five top-five finishes, and six top-10 results.
