Shane van Gisbergen's iconic No. 97 Red Bull livery unveiled for 2026 NASCAR Cup Series campaign

Trackhouse Racing has offered a compelling first look at the No. 97 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, emblazoned with the distinctive Red Bull colors, that three-time Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen will pilot in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series. This reveal marks a significant milestone for the New Zealand driver, who will carry a number deeply intertwined with his championship success into the premier echelon of American stock car racing.

The team officially announced van Gisbergen’s adoption of the No. 97 for his Cup Series endeavors earlier this month, a decision detailed in an emotional video that underscored the personal significance of the number to the driver. Alongside the No. 97 Chevrolet, Trackhouse Racing also showcased the No. 88 Red Bull-liveried car, which will be driven by emerging teenaged phenom and fellow Red Bull athlete, Connor Zilisch.

Van Gisbergen is slated to debut the striking Red Bull No. 97 at Atlanta Motor Speedway’s EchoPark Automotive 400 on February 22, 2026. In contrast, Zilisch will make his inaugural appearance with the Red Bull livery a week prior, competing in the prestigious Daytona 500. While both machines share a striking visual similarity, subtle design cues will differentiate them. Van Gisbergen’s No. 97 will feature prominent red accents on the car and his firesuit, a nod to his personal branding, while Zilisch’s No. 88 will incorporate blue elements.

The emotional weight of the No. 97 for van Gisbergen was palpable in his statement accompanying the livery reveal. "It means a lot to have the number No. 97 on my Cup car," van Gisbergen stated. "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 choice of the No. 97 is deeply rooted in van Gisbergen’s illustrious career. He secured all three of his Supercars championships utilizing this number, establishing it as a symbol of his dominance in Australian touring car racing. Furthermore, his successful foray into the NASCAR Xfinity Series (now the NASCAR CRAFTSMAN Truck Series) in 2024 saw him continue with the No. 97 under the banner of Kaulig Racing, where he achieved three victories. This continuity reinforces the narrative of the No. 97 as a lucky charm and a symbol of high performance for the driver.

For Zilisch, the opportunity to pilot the historic No. 88 in the Cup Series represents a significant step in his burgeoning career. "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 legacy in NASCAR, having been driven by numerous Hall of Fame inductees and championship contenders, presenting Zilisch with a considerable benchmark to aspire to.

Red Bull’s significant sponsorship commitment will see them backing both van Gisbergen and Zilisch for a substantial 25 races throughout the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. This partnership underscores Red Bull’s continued investment in motorsport and their belief in the potential of both drivers. The energy drink giant’s iconic branding on two of Trackhouse Racing’s entries is expected to generate considerable visual impact and fan engagement throughout the season.

Trackhouse Racing, co-owned by Pitbull and Justin Marks, has quickly established itself as a competitive force in the NASCAR Cup Series since its inception. The team has demonstrated a commitment to innovation and driver development, attracting top-tier talent like van Gisbergen and investing in promising young drivers like Zilisch. Their strategic partnerships, including the prominent Red Bull alliance, signal their ambition to contend for championships in the coming seasons.

Van Gisbergen’s transition to the NASCAR Cup Series followed a period of remarkable success in global motorsport. His three Supercars titles (2016, 2021, 2022) cemented his status as one of the greatest touring car drivers of his generation. His remarkable debut in the 2023 NASCAR Cup Series season, particularly his surprise victory at the Chicago Street Race in his maiden start, immediately signaled his adaptability and raw talent on a completely different circuit. This performance, achieved with limited prior oval experience, garnered significant international attention and laid the groundwork for his full-time Cup Series campaign.

His 2024 season with Kaulig Racing in the Xfinity Series provided invaluable experience on a variety of track types, including ovals, road courses, and short tracks. The three victories achieved in this series further validated his ability to adapt to the nuances of NASCAR racing. His performances consistently demonstrated strong race craft, strategic acumen, and the ability to extract maximum performance from the machinery.

Zilisch, on the other hand, represents the future of NASCAR. The 17-year-old from Hendersonville, Tennessee, has been a dominant force in various grassroots racing disciplines. He captured the ARCA Menards Series East championship in 2023 and has showcased his talent in Super Late Model competition, earning prestigious victories and accolades. His inclusion in the Trackhouse Racing fold and the Red Bull program signals a long-term investment in his development as a potential future Cup Series star. His aggressive driving style and proven ability to win at lower levels suggest a bright future in the sport.

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season promises to be a compelling spectacle with the introduction of these two Red Bull-backed entries. The juxtaposition of van Gisbergen’s seasoned international success and Zilisch’s prodigious young talent, both under the unified Red Bull banner, creates an intriguing dynamic. The familiar yet refreshed No. 97 livery for van Gisbergen carries the weight of his past triumphs, while the vibrant No. 88 for Zilisch represents the dawn of a new era. The subtle color distinctions between the two cars serve as a visual reminder of their individual journeys and the distinct paths they are forging within the competitive landscape of NASCAR. The anticipation surrounding their performances on track, amplified by the iconic Red Bull branding, is set to captivate fans and further elevate the profile of both drivers and the Trackhouse Racing organization.