Trackhouse Racing Unveils 2026 Driver Numbers in Heartfelt Video, Honoring Legacy and Future Aspirations

Charlotte, NC – Trackhouse Racing has officially announced the car numbers for its 2026 NASCAR Cup Series lineup, revealing the changes through a poignant video presentation that underscored the team’s commitment to both established stars and promising newcomers, while also paying homage to racing heritage. The organization will be retiring its current No. 99, a number previously associated with Daniel Suarez over five seasons, as it reconfigures its driver-car pairings for the upcoming championship year.

Ross Chastain, a consistent front-runner and six-time Cup Series winner, will continue his tenure with the No. 1 car. This iconic number has been synonymous with Chastain’s remarkable success, including his significant victory in the 2025 Coca-Cola 600, a race that has historically tested the mettle of drivers and machinery. Chastain’s partnership with the No. 1 has yielded a series of memorable performances, cementing his status as a championship contender.

Stepping into a new role, rookie sensation Connor Zilisch will assume control of the No. 88. This number was most recently driven by Shane van Gisbergen, who achieved five Cup Series victories in the 2024 season under its banner. The No. 88 carries historical weight within NASCAR, and for Zilisch, it represents a familiar, yet elevated, challenge. He previously piloted the No. 88 in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, securing ten wins and reaching the championship finale, demonstrating his capability to perform at a high level.

The team’s announcement strategy involved a personal touch, with each driver receiving a letter detailing their new car number. Ross Chastain’s correspondence came from Trackhouse Racing founder Justin Marks, a testament to the team’s vision. For Connor Zilisch, the congratulatory message was delivered by NASCAR Hall of Famer Dale Earnhardt Jr., acknowledging Zilisch’s burgeoning career.

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However, it was Shane van Gisbergen’s announcement that resonated with the deepest emotion. His letter was penned by his father, Robert van Gisbergen, a former racing competitor himself. As van Gisbergen read the words from his father, he became visibly moved, learning that he would be piloting the No. 97 in the 2026 Cup Series. The significance of this number transcended mere statistical assignment; it is deeply intertwined with the van Gisbergen family’s racing legacy. Both Shane and his father have utilized the No. 97 throughout their careers, with Shane achieving all three of his Supercars championships under this designation. He also campaigned the No. 97 during his 2024 Xfinity Series season.

"That means so much to our family," Robert van Gisbergen stated in the video, his voice tinged with pride. "Right from the beginning, both of us ran #97 in motocross, we both ran it in speedway. Mom would have been absolutely proud."

Shane van Gisbergen, visibly wiping away tears, elaborated on the profound impact of his father’s letter, particularly the mention of his mother, who passed away in early 2024. The emotional weight of the family’s racing history, coupled with the personal tribute, created a powerful moment. The video documentation captures the raw emotion of this significant announcement, allowing fans a glimpse into the personal connections that fuel the sport.

The No. 97 represents a significant shift for van Gisbergen, marking his fifth distinct car number in his relatively brief but impactful NASCAR Cup Series career. He made his debut and secured an astonishing victory in the No. 91. His subsequent Cup Series endeavors included appearances in the No. 13 and No. 16 for Kaulig Racing, before his successful 2024 campaign in the No. 88 with Trackhouse.

Complementing the driver-number assignments, Trackhouse Racing also confirmed its crew chief pairings for the 2026 season. Brandon McSwain will continue his successful partnership with Ross Chastain, while Randall Burnett will lead the efforts for Connor Zilisch. Notably, Stephen Doran will remain as Shane van Gisbergen’s crew chief, providing continuity and stability for his transition to the No. 97.

The No. 97 itself carries a storied history within the NASCAR Cup Series. While its presence on the grid has been infrequent since 2013, with only three appearances in 2018, its past is rich with success. Prior to its more recent scarcity, the No. 97 had competed in nearly 700 races, accumulating 17 victories. Most prominently, Kurt Busch drove the No. 97 to the 2004 NASCAR Cup Series Championship, a landmark achievement that solidified the number’s place in racing lore. Beyond Busch’s championship, legendary figures like Parnelli Jones and Bill Amick also recorded wins with the No. 97, further contributing to its legacy. This historical depth adds another layer of narrative to van Gisbergen’s new car assignment, connecting his personal journey with the broader tapestry of NASCAR’s past.

The strategic decisions regarding car numbers and driver pairings signal Trackhouse Racing’s forward-thinking approach. By honoring established talent like Chastain, nurturing emerging stars like Zilisch, and embracing the personal narrative of van Gisbergen, the team aims to build a compelling future in the highly competitive NASCAR Cup Series. The emotional resonance of the announcement video underscores the human element within professional motorsports, highlighting the deep personal connections and familial legacies that often shape a driver’s career. As the 2026 season approaches, the No. 97, now entrusted to Shane van Gisbergen, is poised to write its next chapter, carrying with it the weight of history and the promise of future triumphs.