Charlotte, NC – Trackhouse Racing has officially revealed its driver and car number assignments for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, a move accompanied by a poignant video that brought one of its star drivers to tears. The team, known for its innovative approach both on and off the track, is retiring its current primary number, the No. 99, which has been the signature of Daniel Suarez for the past five seasons. Suarez is set to depart the organization at the conclusion of the current year.

The video presentation, designed to inform each driver of their new designation, featured personalized letters. Ross Chastain, a consistent frontrunner and the victor of the 2025 Coca-Cola 600, will continue to command the No. 1. This number has been synonymous with Chastain’s six Cup Series triumphs, solidifying its status as a prominent force in modern NASCAR.

Stepping into a familiar role, rookie Connor Zilisch will take the reins of the No. 88. This number was notably piloted by Shane van Gisbergen throughout the 2024 season, during which the New Zealand native achieved five impressive Cup Series victories. The No. 88 also holds significance for Zilisch, as he utilized it for his ten wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series before a hard-fought, albeit ultimately unsuccessful, bid for the series championship.

The most emotionally charged announcement was reserved for Shane van Gisbergen. His letter, delivered by his father, Robert van Gisbergen, revealed his new Cup Series number: the historic No. 97. The revelation elicited a profound emotional response from van Gisbergen, who struggled to read the letter aloud as his father elaborated on the deep familial connection to the number. The No. 97 has been a cornerstone of the van Gisbergen family’s racing legacy, having been driven by both Shane and his father across various disciplines, including motocross and speedway racing. Crucially, Shane van Gisbergen secured all three of his Supercars championships and competed in the 2024 Xfinity Series season with this iconic number.

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

Wiping away tears, Shane van Gisbergen shared that his father’s words, particularly those referencing his mother who passed away in early 2024, resonated deeply. He acknowledged that the written sentiment, while powerful, could only capture a fraction of the significance.

This move marks the fifth distinct car number van Gisbergen has raced in his relatively brief but impactful NASCAR Cup Series career. He made a sensational debut in the No. 91, securing an improbable victory. He subsequently drove the No. 13 and No. 16 for Kaulig Racing in Cup Series events, before his successful tenure in the No. 88 for Trackhouse Racing in the 2024 season.

Beyond the driver assignments, Trackhouse Racing also confirmed its crew chief pairings for the 2026 season. Brandon McSwain will continue his successful partnership with Ross Chastain. Randall Burnett will serve as crew chief for Connor Zilisch. Notably, Stephen Doran will remain as Shane van Gisbergen’s crew chief, ensuring continuity for the driver and the team as they embark on this new chapter with the No. 97.

The No. 97 itself carries a rich tapestry of history within the NASCAR landscape. While its presence on the Cup Series grid has been sporadic since 2013, with only three appearances in 2018, its legacy is undeniably significant. Prior to its more infrequent use, the No. 97 had started nearly 700 races, achieving 17 victories. Its most celebrated chapter undoubtedly came in 2004 when Kurt Busch piloted the No. 97 to the NASCAR Cup Series championship, a monumental achievement that cemented the number’s place in racing lore. Beyond Busch, legendary figures like Parnelli Jones and Bill Amick also recorded wins with the No. 97, underscoring its historical pedigree.

The strategic decision to assign the No. 97 to van Gisbergen, a driver who has quickly established himself as a championship contender and a fan favorite, signals Trackhouse Racing’s intent to blend established success with a forward-looking vision. The emotional weight of the number, coupled with van Gisbergen’s personal connection and past achievements, suggests a powerful narrative for the 2026 season.

Trackhouse Racing, under the leadership of founder Justin Marks, has consistently aimed to inject a unique brand of energy and innovation into the sport. The team’s commitment to nurturing talent, evident in the promotion of Zilisch and the continued support for van Gisbergen, aligns with its overarching philosophy of growth and evolution. The farewell to the No. 99, a number that has seen its share of competitive moments with Suarez, marks the end of an era, but the team’s focus is firmly set on forging new identities and pursuing further victories with its revamped driver lineup.

The team’s approach to driver development and car number selection has often been a talking point within the NASCAR community. By leveraging the emotional resonance of a historically significant number like the No. 97 and pairing it with a driver who shares that deep connection, Trackhouse Racing is likely aiming to create a powerful narrative that transcends the on-track competition. The successful integration of van Gisbergen into the Cup Series, marked by his rapid ascent and multiple wins, has already garnered significant attention, and his transition to the No. 97 is poised to amplify this interest.

The crew chief appointments also reflect a blend of stability and strategic alignment. The retention of Stephen Doran with van Gisbergen indicates confidence in their working relationship and the potential for continued success. For Chastain and Zilisch, the confirmed pairings with McSwain and Burnett, respectively, suggest a focus on building upon existing chemistry and developing future talent.

As the NASCAR Cup Series landscape continues to evolve, Trackhouse Racing’s bold decisions regarding its driver roster and car numbers for 2026 underscore its ambition and its willingness to embrace new narratives. The emotional resonance of Shane van Gisbergen’s return to the No. 97, a number steeped in personal and historical significance, adds a compelling human element to the team’s strategic planning, promising an intriguing storyline for the upcoming seasons. The team’s performance in the remainder of the current season will be closely watched as it sets the stage for these significant changes.

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