Next season marks Shane van Gisbergen’s debut driving the No. 97 car in the NASCAR Cup Series, a significant milestone for the three-time Supercars champion. Trackhouse Racing revealed the new jersey number in an emotional video released recently.
For the first time, Trackhouse showcased the No. 97 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 featuring a Red Bull-themed wrap. Alongside this, the team also introduced the No. 88 Red Bull design, which will be piloted by young prodigy and fellow Red Bull athlete Connor Girish.
Van Gisbergen will race the No. 97 Red Bull-liveried car at EcoPark Speedway in Atlanta on February 22nd. Girish’s inaugural race with the Red Bull design will take place a week earlier at the Daytona 500. Both cars share a similar look, though Van Gisbergen’s car and firesuit have red accents, while Girish’s incorporate blue hues.
Van Gisbergen expressed the personal significance of the number 97, which holds deep meaning for him and his family. He appreciates the striking red flash design on both sides of the car, confident it will stand out during races.
In addition to his three Supercars championships behind the wheel of car No. 97, Van Gisbergen has also claimed three victories in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with the same number while racing for Kaulig Racing in 2024.
Red Bull will back both Shane van Gisbergen and Connor Girish for 25 races throughout the 2026 NASCAR Cup season.
Fan Take: This news is thrilling for NASCAR fans as it introduces a star talent with a passionate personal connection to his car number, adding a unique story that enriches the sport’s narrative. Van Gisbergen’s crossover success from Supercars to NASCAR could inspire greater international interest and competitiveness in future races.
