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Trackhouse Racing has provided the first official glimpse of the striking Red Bull livery that will adorn Shane van Gisbergen’s No. 97 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 as he makes his full-time NASCAR Cup Series debut in 2026. This significant unveiling marks a pivotal moment for the three-time Supercars champion, who has a deep personal and professional connection to the number 97.
The team officially announced the shift to the No. 97 for van Gisbergen earlier this month through an emotionally resonant video, underscoring the significance of this particular number to his racing career. The newly revealed livery showcases a bold and dynamic Red Bull design, immediately recognizable within the motorsport world. Alongside van Gisbergen’s machine, the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, set to be driven by fellow Red Bull athlete and emerging talent Connor Zilisch, was also presented in its Red Bull trim.
Van Gisbergen is scheduled to pilot the Red Bull-sponsored No. 97 for the first time in competition at Atlanta Motor Speedway’s EchoPark Automotive 400 on February 22, 2026. In contrast, Zilisch will make his debut with the Red Bull livery the week prior, participating in the prestigious Daytona 500. While both cars share a common Red Bull color scheme, subtle yet distinct visual cues will differentiate them. Van Gisbergen’s No. 97 will feature prominent red accents, extending to his racing suit, while Zilisch’s No. 88 will incorporate blue elements to signify his presence.
"It means a lot to have the number No. 97 on my Cup car," van Gisbergen stated in an official release from Trackhouse Racing. "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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The sentimental value of the No. 97 for van Gisbergen is deeply rooted in his highly successful Supercars career. He clinched all three of his Australian Supercars championships while racing under this number. Furthermore, the No. 97 carried him to victory in his brief but impactful stint in the NASCAR Xfinity Series (now known as the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series) in 2024, where he secured three wins driving for Kaulig Racing. His rapid adaptation and success in the NASCAR landscape, including his maiden Cup Series victory at the Chicago Street Race in 2023, have positioned him as a significant contender.
For Connor Zilisch, stepping into the No. 88 Cup Series car carries its own historical weight. "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 has a storied past in NASCAR, associated with legendary figures like Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Darrell Waltrip, presenting Zilisch with a legacy to uphold.
Red Bull’s comprehensive sponsorship will see them prominently featured on both van Gisbergen’s and Zilisch’s cars for a substantial 25 races throughout the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, highlighting the brand’s continued commitment to motorsports and its investment in emerging talent. This partnership signifies a concerted effort by Trackhouse Racing to leverage Red Bull’s global brand recognition and marketing power to elevate its presence in NASCAR’s premier series.
Trackhouse Racing, owned by Justin Marks and Armando Pérez de Alba, has rapidly established itself as a competitive force in the NASCAR Cup Series since its inception in 2021. The team has achieved significant milestones, including multiple race wins and the development of strong driver lineups. The addition of van Gisbergen, a proven winner in international touring car racing, and the nurturing of young talent like Zilisch, demonstrates a strategic vision for long-term success.
The 2026 season is anticipated to be a landmark year for van Gisbergen as he transitions to a full-time Cup Series schedule. His performances in limited outings have already demonstrated his exceptional car control and adaptability to stock car racing, a stark contrast to the different disciplines he has mastered. His ability to translate his raw talent and aggressive racing style to the oval tracks, where he has shown significant improvement, will be closely watched.
Zilisch, a highly touted prospect from Georgia, has been steadily climbing the ranks of NASCAR’s developmental series. His inclusion in the Cup Series program with Red Bull sponsorship at such a young age underscores the high expectations placed upon him. His early success in various late model and regional touring series has garnered considerable attention, and his Cup Series debut will be a crucial step in his development as a potential future star.
The visual presentation of the No. 97 and No. 88 cars signifies more than just a new paint scheme; it represents the ambition and forward-thinking approach of Trackhouse Racing and its partners. The Red Bull livery, a symbol of high-octane performance and global sporting engagement, is poised to become a familiar sight at racetracks across the country. The distinct red and blue accents will not only differentiate the teammates but also serve as a visual testament to their individual identities within the unified Red Bull racing program.
As the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season approaches, the unveiling of these liveries generates considerable excitement within the fanbase and the wider motorsport community. The combination of a proven international champion like Shane van Gisbergen, a promising young talent in Connor Zilisch, and the powerful backing of Red Bull positions Trackhouse Racing for a compelling season of competition. The focus will now shift to how these drivers and their visually dynamic machines will perform on track as they aim to make their mark on NASCAR’s highest echelon. The strategic decision to bring back the No. 97 for van Gisbergen, a number steeped in his personal racing narrative, adds an emotional layer to his full-time Cup Series journey, promising a season filled with both competitive drive and compelling storylines.
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