Trackhouse Racing’s decision to invest in Shane Van Gisbergen as a full-time driver for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series reflects their confidence in his unique abilities and potential for success. The New Zealander speedster demonstrated his prowess across multiple road courses and overcame significant adversity during the 2024 season, holding strong to his goal: securing a playoff position that can elevate both his career and the team’s standing.
Van Gisbergen’s resilience was clearly on display during his triumph at the Viva Mexico 250 race in Mexico City, where he led the majority of the laps and clinched a convincing victory over Christopher Bell. This win followed a season filled with challenges, including a strict travel schedule and a debilitating stomach illness, underscoring his determination to master NASCAR’s demanding circuits and deliver results for Trackhouse Racing.
The Unfolding of Van Gisbergen’s NASCAR Journey So Far
Shane Van Gisbergen first made a significant splash in NASCAR during the 2023 season with his historic victory at the inaugural Chicago Street Race, part of Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91 initiative. His instant success with the No. 91 Chevy, replicating a feat never before achieved by a newcomer in such a high-profile event, instantly caught the attention of Trackhouse owner Justin Marks.
Building on this foundation, Van Gisbergen secured three additional wins in the 2024 Xfinity Series road course races, confirming his expertise and solidifying his reputation as a road racing ace. This sustained success on road courses convinced Marks to extend a full-time Cup Series opportunity to Van Gisbergen for 2025, banking on the driver’s exceptional talent to bolster the team’s playoff prospects and competitive edge.
Van Gisbergen expressed his purpose plainly:
“This is what I’m here to do – make the playoffs, put another Trackhouse car in the playoffs.”
—Shane Van Gisbergen
He further reiterated the importance of focusing on his strengths while continuing to improve:
“That’s why I’m here, to win road races.”
—Shane Van Gisbergen
But insight into his mindset reveals no complacency, as he also stated:
“But I’m not here to run last on the ovals, either. I need to keep getting better to justify being a Cup Series driver.”
—Shane Van Gisbergen
Overcoming Adversity: Determination on and off the Track
Despite suffering from severe stomach discomfort during his recent races, Van Gisbergen’s perseverance impressed Trackhouse Racing’s crew and management. His crew chief, Stephen Doran, highlighted the driver’s extraordinary resolve:
“The car was obviously OK, but he’s unbelievable. It’s amazing to watch him race at tracks like this.”
—Stephen Doran
Doran added,
“I just kept reminding him to keep drinking some fluids. He had some little squeeze packs of energy pouches in the car with him. I could tell by his tone that he wasn’t struggling too bad once he got racing.”
—Stephen Doran
This mental and physical tenacity was essential not only in executing impeccable road course techniques but also in building confidence on oval tracks, where Van Gisbergen aims to close the experience gap. His unique skill set on road circuits provides an invaluable advantage for Trackhouse Racing to expand their competitive range.
The Weight of Legacy: Carrying the No. 88 Badge Forward
One of the considerable pressures Shane Van Gisbergen faces is driving the iconic No. 88 Chevrolet, a number deeply ingrained in NASCAR tradition. Dale Earnhardt Jr. famously drove the No. 88 car throughout a significant portion of his career, leaving a lasting imprint on the Cup Series and bringing a storied reputation to the number itself. Under Hendrick Motorsports, the number symbolized perseverance and transformation, making it a prestigious badge for any driver to inherit.
Justin Marks, Trackhouse Racing’s owner, personally sought the blessing of Dale Earnhardt Jr., alongside Kelley Earnhardt Miller and Hendrick Motorsports vice chairman Jeff Gordon, to use the No. 88 number for Van Gisbergen’s 2025 campaign. Marks shared his interactions:
“It’s important for us to have the endorsement…(Had) a great, great exchange with Dale Jr. saying, like, ‘Look, it’s not my number. I mean, I added to the legacy of it. It was important to me personally.’ But he was proud to see it in good hands, and that’s just something that’s super, super important to me and to this company.”
—Justin Marks
This endorsement not only connects Van Gisbergen to a cherished NASCAR heritage but also places upon him the responsibility to uphold and build on the success associated with the No. 88 car.
The Prospective Impact of Van Gisbergen on Trackhouse Racing’s Future
With a renewed full-time commitment for the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series season, Shane Van Gisbergen embodies both the promise and challenge of transforming Trackhouse Racing’s trajectory. His ability to translate road course success into consistent performances across varied tracks could significantly impact the team’s playoff chances and sponsorship opportunities.
Given his already demonstrated strengths and the unwavering support from team owner Justin Marks, Van Gisbergen’s tenure in the Cup Series will be closely watched by fans and analysts eager to see if he can continue to develop his oval racing skills and fully realize his potential.
For Trackhouse Racing, betting on Van Gisbergen combines hope, ambition, and a clear strategy to expand their playoff presence while carrying forward NASCAR traditions.
The coming season will reveal if Shane Van Gisbergen can cement his role not only as a road racing ace but also as a versatile competitor capable of honoring and advancing the legacy of the No. 88 car in NASCAR’s elite series.
