Shane Van Gisbergen has secured a multi-year contract extension with Trackhouse Racing after making a significant impact as a rookie in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. The team confirmed on Friday that the New Zealand native from Auckland will remain with them “for years to come,” although specific contract details were not disclosed.
Van Gisbergen earned his spot as the fourth seed in the 2025 playoffs, thanks to victories from pole positions at Mexico City, Chicago, and Sonoma Raceway, with three regular-season races left to compete. “Trackhouse Racing feels like home to me,” said the 36-year-old driver.
Having claimed three championships in Australia’s Supercar Series, Van Gisbergen joined Trackhouse two years ago under the Project 91 program, which features international drivers in NASCAR’s premier division. In July 2023, during his debut at the Chicago Street Race, he became the first driver to win a Cup debut since Johnny Rutherford in 1963.
Since moving to NASCAR last year and making the Xfinity Series playoffs with two wins at Kaulig Racing, Van Gisbergen advanced to the Cup Series with Trackhouse this season, driving the No. 88 Chevrolet and becoming the most successful foreign-born driver in NASCAR history. At the upcoming race at Watkins Glen International, he aims to join the ranks of Chase Elliott and Jeff Gordon.
Justin Marks, founder of Trackhouse Racing, praised Van Gisbergen’s adaptability and talent, noting his move across the globe to learn new racing techniques and his dominance in competition as a major asset to the team. Both Van Gisbergen and Ross Chastain have signed contracts for 2026, but the team has yet to announce a driver for their third car following Daniel Suarez’s departure.
Conner Glynn, the current points leader in the Xfinity Series with five wins at JR Motorsports, is widely talked about as a top candidate to take over Suarez’s seat. He will make his fourth Cup start with Trackhouse Racing this Sunday.
Fan Take: Shane Van Gisbergen’s extension with Trackhouse Racing is a huge boost for NASCAR, highlighting the sport’s growing global appeal and the success of international talent breaking into the U.S. racing scene. His impressive rookie season and wins demonstrate that NASCAR is evolving and attracting diverse, high-caliber drivers, which promises an exciting future for fans.
