Shane van Gisbergen is set to make a significant leap in his racing career by transitioning to the NASCAR Cup Series full-time in 2025. Trackhouse Racing, an ambitious team in the NASCAR circuit, is expanding its operations by adding a third car to its roster, which van Gisbergen will pilot. He will be behind the wheel of the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro, marking a new chapter not only for him but also for the entire team. The announcement also revealed that Stephen Doran, who currently works with Zane Smith, will take on the role of crew chief for van Gisbergen. This development coincided with the news that Trackhouse Racing has released Zane Smith from his contract, clearing the way for van Gisbergen’s arrival.
Van Gisbergen will be joining a dynamic team at Trackhouse, where he will race alongside Ross Chastain, who drives the No. 1 car, and Daniel Suarez, the driver of the No. 99 car. This trio of drivers brings a unique international flavor to the NASCAR Cup Series, as they hail from three different countries: the United States, Mexico, and New Zealand. This diversity will make Trackhouse Racing the only team in NASCAR with full-time drivers representing three different nationalities.
Justin Marks, the founder and owner of Trackhouse Racing, expressed his excitement about the team’s expansion and the addition of van Gisbergen. He highlighted the hard work and success of the team as key factors that have enabled them to grow to three Cup teams in 2025. Marks also acknowledged the significance of van Gisbergen’s decision to move from New Zealand to the United States to pursue a career in one of the most competitive stock car racing series in the world. He noted that race fans globally will have the opportunity to watch one of the top racing talents compete in the NASCAR Cup Series next year.
Van Gisbergen’s journey to the NASCAR Cup Series has been nothing short of remarkable. A three-time Supercars champion, he made an immediate impact in the NASCAR world when he won his debut race at the Chicago Street Course last year. His victory was historic, as he became the first driver in over six decades to win a Cup race on their first attempt. This achievement was a turning point for van Gisbergen, who decided to leave Supercars and focus on pursuing a full-time career in stock car racing.
Under the guidance of Trackhouse Racing, van Gisbergen transitioned into the NASCAR Xfinity Series, where he has been honing his skills on oval tracks. Driving a Chevrolet for Kaulig Racing, he quickly adapted to the new discipline, securing three wins on road courses at Portland, Sonoma, and Chicago. These victories not only showcased his talent but also earned him a spot in the 2024 Xfinity Series playoffs. Beyond his success on road courses, van Gisbergen has also shown promise on oval tracks, with strong finishes including third place at Atlanta, fourth at Indianapolis, and sixth at Phoenix. These performances indicate his growing proficiency in oval racing, which is crucial for success in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Van Gisbergen himself is eager for the challenges that lie ahead. He acknowledged the steep learning curve he faces but emphasized that the best way to learn is by gaining experience on the track. He expressed gratitude to Kaulig Racing for their support during his time in the Xfinity Series and conveyed his excitement about stepping up to the Cup Series. Van Gisbergen is aware of the level of competition he will face, but he is looking forward to the opportunity to race against some of the best drivers and teams in the world.
In preparation for his full-time Cup Series debut, van Gisbergen has been running a limited schedule in the No. 16 Chevrolet for Kaulig Racing. To help him acclimate to the demands of the Cup Series, his schedule has been expanded, and he will now compete in seven of the final 12 Cup races this season. This expanded schedule is designed to give him valuable seat time and experience ahead of his full-time switch to the Cup Series in 2025.
Shane van Gisbergen to Join NASCAR Cup Series Full-Time in 2025 with Trackhouse Racing
