Shane van Gisbergen to race full time in NASCAR Cup Series

Trackhouse Racing has announced a significant expansion in the NASCAR Cup Series by confirming that it will field three full-time teams in the 2025 season. The big news is the inclusion of New Zealand driver Shane van Gisbergen, a three-time Supercars champion, who will take the wheel of the No. 88 Chevrolet. This decision marks a new chapter for van Gisbergen, who had previously competed in the Xfinity Series and several select Cup Series races during 2024.

From Project to Reality: The Evolution of van Gisbergen in NASCAR

What began as a special participation in Project91 in 2023, and a successful campaign in the Xfinity Series in 2024, has culminated in a full-time contract for the 2025 Cup Series season. Justin Marks, founder and owner of Trackhouse Racing, highlighted the importance of this step for the organization, noting the hard work of his team that has made this expansion possible.

Van Gisbergen, who has shown his ability to adapt by participating in events like the Chicago Street Race and other key circuits, expressed confidence in facing the challenges of competing in NASCAR’s top category. "This is the goal I set for myself when I left Supercars. I know it will be an intense learning process, but I am ready to take it on," said the 35-year-old driver from Auckland, New Zealand.

Technical Direction: Stephen Doran at the Helm of the Chevrolet No. 88

In 2025, van Gisbergen’s Chevrolet No. 88 will be under the direction of Stephen Doran, an experienced engineer and crew chief who has worked with prominent figures like Kevin Harvick. Doran, who currently serves as crew chief at Spire Motorsports, will bring his vast experience to the new Trackhouse Racing team.

From Supercars to the NASCAR Cup Series: van Gisbergen’s Journey

Van Gisbergen comes to NASCAR with an impressive Supercars record, where he achieved three championships and multiple victories in the famous Bathurst 1000 race. Although unknown to some NASCAR fans before 2023, his performance in the Chicago Street Race, where he led nine laps and won the race in overtime, catapulted him into the spotlight of American motorsports.

The impact of his success in Chicago did not go unnoticed by Trackhouse Racing, which quickly signed a development deal with van Gisbergen, giving him the opportunity to compete in the Xfinity Series in 2024. His victories in Portland, Sonoma, and Chicago, along with his experience in four Cup Series races, were decisive in securing his full-time seat for 2025.

Trackhouse Racing: A Story of Growth and Success

Since its debut in 2021, Trackhouse Racing has experienced steady growth, going from a single-car team to a three-team operation in just four years. The addition of van Gisbergen is the latest chapter in this story of expansion and success, which includes the acquisition of Chip Ganassi Racing’s assets and seven Cup Series victories to date.