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The roar of anticipation is building for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, as Trackhouse Racing has officially revealed the striking Red Bull livery that will adorn Shane van Gisbergen’s No. 97 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1. This unveiling marks a significant milestone for the three-time Supercars champion, who will pilot the iconic number in the Cup Series for the first time. The team’s announcement, delivered through an emotionally charged video released earlier this month, underscored the deep personal significance of the No. 97 for van Gisbergen.
The visual reveal showcases a sleek No. 97 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 resplendent in the bold Red Bull color scheme. Complementing this, Trackhouse also offered a preview of the No. 88 Red Bull Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, which will be under the stewardship of emerging teen phenom and fellow Red Bull athlete, Connor Zilisch. While the two machines share a similar aesthetic, subtle yet distinct design elements will differentiate them on track. Van Gisbergen’s car and firesuit will feature prominent red accents, while Zilisch will sport blue detailing.
Van Gisbergen is slated to make his debut with the No. 97 Red Bull machine at Atlanta Motor Speedway’s EchoPark Automotive 500 on February 22, 2026. In contrast, Zilisch will christen the Red Bull No. 88 livery a week earlier, at the prestigious Daytona 500.
The choice of the No. 97 holds profound sentimental value for van Gisbergen. "It means a lot to have the number No. 97 on my Cup car," van Gisbergen stated in a press release issued by the team. "It’s a number that means so much to my family and me, so to see it on my car for the first time was surreal. I love the red flash designs on both sides of the car. It’s going to look epic on the track."
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This sentiment is deeply rooted in van Gisbergen’s championship-winning career. The No. 97 was his constant companion throughout his illustrious Supercars career, a number under which he secured all three of his Australian touring car championships. Furthermore, he continued this successful association in 2024, driving for Kaulig Racing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (now known as the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series), where he achieved three victories. His transition to the Cup Series with this significant number signals a new chapter in his already formidable racing legacy.
For Zilisch, the opportunity to drive the No. 88 in the Cup Series is equally momentous. "It’s so cool to be driving No. 88 in the Cup Series," Zilisch commented. "The number is historic and so many great drivers have driven it. I certainly have big shoes to fill but I can’t wait to get the season started. I love the blue streaks across the side of car. The dark matte blue allows the light blue streaks to pop. I’m excited to have it on track next year." The No. 88 itself carries a rich history within NASCAR, having been driven by numerous legendary figures in the sport, adding another layer of prestige to Zilisch’s opportunity.
Red Bull’s prominent sponsorship will extend across both drivers for a substantial 25 races during the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, underscoring the brand’s commitment to motorsport and its burgeoning talent within the NASCAR landscape. This partnership signifies a powerful alliance, bringing together the formidable marketing power of Red Bull with the competitive prowess of Trackhouse Racing and its exciting driver lineup.
The strategic decision to place van Gisbergen in the No. 97 is more than just a number swap; it’s a calculated move to leverage his proven track record and connect with fans on a deeper level. His immediate impact in NASCAR, including his remarkable victory at the Chicago Street Race in 2023 and subsequent strong performances, has already captured the attention of the sport’s enthusiasts. The adoption of the No. 97 serves as a direct nod to his origins and a promise of the competitive spirit he brings to the Cup Series.
Connor Zilisch, a rising star in the Red Bull athlete program, represents the future of NASCAR. His inclusion in the Cup Series at such a young age, coupled with the historic No. 88, positions him as a driver to watch. His early success in various grassroots and developmental series has laid a strong foundation for his Cup Series debut, and his partnership with Red Bull and Trackhouse Racing provides him with significant resources and exposure.
The visual appeal of the Red Bull liveries is expected to be a significant draw for fans. The distinctive color palette and branding of Red Bull have long been associated with high-octane motorsports, and their application to the NASCAR Cup Series cars promises a dynamic and eye-catching presence on the track. The subtle differentiation between the two cars, with red for van Gisbergen and blue for Zilisch, adds a layer of individual identity while maintaining a cohesive brand identity for the Red Bull sponsored entries.
Trackhouse Racing, under the leadership of co-owners Justin Marks and Pitbull, has rapidly established itself as a competitive and innovative force in NASCAR. The team’s continued investment in international talent, exemplified by van Gisbergen’s recruitment, and their focus on developing young American talent like Zilisch, signals a forward-thinking approach to building a championship contender. The partnership with Red Bull further bolsters their resources and racing pedigree.
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season promises to be a compelling spectacle, with the introduction of these dynamic driver-livery combinations. Shane van Gisbergen’s return to his cherished No. 97, now in the pinnacle of American stock car racing and backed by Red Bull, sets the stage for what could be a groundbreaking season for the New Zealander and for Trackhouse Racing. His ability to translate his diverse racing experience and championship-winning mentality to the oval tracks of the Cup Series will be a key storyline to follow.
As the calendar turns towards 2026, the anticipation for the EchoPark Automotive 500 and the Daytona 500 will undoubtedly intensify. The sight of the No. 97 and No. 88 Red Bull Chevrolets thundering around the circuits will not only be a visual treat but also a potent symbol of Red Bull’s continued influence in motorsports and Trackhouse Racing’s ambitious vision for the future of NASCAR. The convergence of a celebrated international champion and a promising homegrown talent, united under the iconic Red Bull banner, is set to electrify the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.
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