Trackhouse Racing finalizes 2026 NASCAR Cup plans with new car numbers for Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen

Justin Marks's owned Trackhouse Racing has finally locked in its 2026 NASCAR Cup Series lineup, revealing crew chiefs and new car numbers for Connor Zilisch and Shane van Gisbergen. Rising star Zilisch has joined the versatile and international star SVG as a full-time driver next season, marking a new era for the Concord, North Carolina-based organization.

The 19-year-old Connor Zilisch, who had a dominating rookie season in the 2025 Xfinity Series, will kick off his long-anticipated full-time Cup debut in the #88 Chevrolet that SVG raced in 2025. Randall Burnett will serve as his crew chief.

Meanwhile, SVG will move from his current number to the #97 Chevrolet as he enters his second full-time Cup season. Giving this number to SVG has a reason to it, as his father, Robert van Gisbergen, used the number during his racing career, and the New Zealander himself carried that family number in the Supercars Championship, where he won three championships.

Expressing his emotions on racing with a number that was used by his father in his racing days and the significance of it, the 36-year-old driver in a team release said:

“It’s awesome to carry a car number that is so special to me. When Justin [Marks, 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.”

Stephen Doran will continue as van Gisbergen’s crew chief in his second season.

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“It’s cool for me to carry on the legacy of the [No.] 88 number”: Connor Zilisch

2025 NASCAR Xfinity Series Rookie of the Year Connor Zilisch reflected on his pride and sense of responsibility in taking over the iconic #88 number to kick off his new racing journey. Legendary drivers like Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Gordon, Darrell Waltrip, Bobby Allison, and Dale Jarrett have previously carried the number.

In a team release, Connor Zilisch said:

“It’s cool for me to carry on the legacy of the [No.] 88 number. 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 [No.] 88. I certainly have big shoes to fill but hopefully I’ll be able to carry that on.”

Ross Chastain will continue to race in the #1 Chevrolet for Trackhouse, as he has done since joining the team, and Brandon McSwain, who joined the team from Hendrick Motorsports, will be his new crew chief next season, starting at Bowman Gray Stadium on Feb. 1, 2026.

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Edited by Yash Soni