Trackhouse Racing has provided the first official look at the No. 97 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, adorned with the iconic Red Bull livery, that will be piloted by three-time Supercars champion Shane van Gisbergen in the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. The reveal marks a significant milestone for the New Zealand driver as he transitions to full-time Cup competition, carrying a car number deeply intertwined with his illustrious career.
The announcement of van Gisbergen’s No. 97 designation was made earlier this month through an emotionally resonant video released by Trackhouse Racing. This number holds considerable weight for van Gisbergen, having been his primary choice throughout his dominant Supercars tenure, where he secured three championships. He also utilized the No. 97 during his successful foray into the NASCAR Xfinity Series in 2024 with Kaulig Racing, where he captured three victories.
In conjunction with the No. 97, Trackhouse Racing also showcased the striking Red Bull livery for the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1, which will be driven by emerging teenaged sensation and fellow Red Bull athlete, Connor Zilisch. This dual sponsorship from Red Bull underscores the team’s commitment to fostering promising talent within the NASCAR landscape.
Van Gisbergen is slated to make his debut in the Red Bull No. 97 at the EchoPark Automotive Atlanta Speedway on February 22, 2026. In contrast, Zilisch will christen the Red Bull No. 88 in the prestigious Daytona 500 one week prior. While both machines share a similar visual foundation, subtle yet distinct design elements will differentiate them. Van Gisbergen’s No. 97 will feature prominent red accents on both the car and his racing suit, signifying his individual identity. Conversely, Zilisch’s No. 88 will incorporate blue detailing, harmonizing with his designated color scheme.
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Reflecting on the significance of his car number, van Gisbergen expressed his profound connection to the No. 97. "It means a lot to have the number No. 97 on my Cup car," he stated in a team release. "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."
The adoption of the No. 97 by van Gisbergen in the Cup Series carries historical context within NASCAR, though it has not been a prominent number in recent Cup Series history. Its association with van Gisbergen’s championship pedigree in Supercars and his Xfinity Series success adds a layer of narrative and anticipation to his Cup campaign.
Zilisch, on the other hand, voiced his excitement about piloting the historic No. 88. "It’s so cool to be driving No. 88 in the Cup Series," he 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, having been driven by legendary figures, and Zilisch’s embrace of this legacy highlights the weight of responsibility and opportunity he carries.
Red Bull’s extensive involvement will see them sponsor both van Gisbergen and Zilisch for a combined total of 25 races throughout the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. This significant investment by Red Bull signals their deep commitment to motorsports and their belief in the potential of these two drivers to make a substantial impact on the Cup Series.
Shane van Gisbergen’s transition to full-time NASCAR Cup Series competition has been a topic of considerable interest since his impressive debut victory at the Chicago Street Course in 2023. His subsequent performances, including securing the NASCAR Cup Series Rookie of the Year honors in 2023 and achieving his first top-ten finish on an oval track at Talladega Superspeedway in 2023, have demonstrated his adaptability and raw talent across different racing disciplines. His move to Trackhouse Racing for a more comprehensive Cup Series program in 2025, with Red Bull backing, positions him as a serious contender.
Connor Zilisch, a prodigious talent from the state of North Carolina, has been rapidly ascending through the ranks of stock car racing. His achievements in Late Model competition and his recent foray into national series have garnered significant attention. His selection by Trackhouse Racing and Red Bull for the No. 88 Cup car is a testament to his exceptional skill and future potential, positioning him as one of the most exciting young prospects in the sport.
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season promises to be a compelling spectacle with the introduction of these two highly talented drivers in distinct yet complementary Red Bull-liveried machines. The visual impact of the iconic Red Bull branding on two competitive entries, coupled with the diverse backgrounds and proven abilities of van Gisbergen and Zilisch, sets the stage for an engaging and competitive season. The strategic partnership between Trackhouse Racing, Red Bull, and these drivers signifies a forward-thinking approach to talent development and brand activation within the evolving landscape of NASCAR. The detailed design elements, from the specific red and blue accents to the overall sleek aesthetic of the Camaros, are meticulously crafted to resonate with fans and enhance the visual appeal of the sport. As the season approaches, the anticipation surrounding the debut of these Red Bull entries and their respective drivers is palpable within the motorsport community.
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