Trackhouse Racing has announced that Connor Zilisch will join its team for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, a move that veteran driver Shane van Gisbergen fully supports. Known for making decisive roster choices, Trackhouse continues to position itself as a pioneering force in NASCAR by combining experienced drivers with emerging talent. The addition of Zilisch reflects the team‘s commitment to nurturing promising prospects within the sport.
Having transitioned himself from Australian Supercars to NASCAR, van Gisbergen embraces the opportunity to face a potential challenge from Zilisch, especially on road course tracks.
I hope so, yeah, because that means the team is going well,
van Gisbergen said.
Having another good road course driver will just push us to the next level. And especially, Ross [Chastain] is not far behind, too, on the road courses. So, we’re pretty strong. But Connor’s pretty fast on the ovals too, so it’s going to be good to see how he goes.
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
Connor Zilisch’s Rapid Rise as a Young NASCAR Talent
Connor Zilisch‘s signing showcases Trackhouse Racing‘s vision for the future of NASCAR. Even at 19 years old, Zilisch has demonstrated exceptional skill and versatility across various racing series, quickly earning recognition for his ability to adapt and compete at high levels. Van Gisbergen acknowledges the maturity Zilisch exhibits, which sometimes contrasts with his youth.
He’s still a kid as well,
van Gisbergen said.
You have some conversations with him, and then you remember that he’s only 19 or whatever he is. But I find the upbringing of the kids here is unbelievable. They’re so far ahead of where I’ve come from.
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
Drawing parallels to his own experience, van Gisbergen noted how American drivers begin racing at significantly younger ages than he did, enhancing their skills early on.
Like, racing Keelan Harvick in a Legend Car, he’s 12 or 13, and he’s racing three times a week. He’s as good as I was when I was 18. And he’s 12 or 13. It’s ridiculous how young the kids here start and how much racing they do. They’re at the motorplex, Trackhouse Motorplex, every week and just always driving. It’s impressive how good everyone here is at a young age.
—Shane van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
How Trackhouse Racing Assembles a Competitive and Diverse Driver Lineup
Trackhouse Racing‘s roster, featuring Ross Chastain, Shane van Gisbergen, and soon Connor Zilisch, represents a well-rounded mix of driving talent in the NASCAR Cup Series. Each driver delivers distinct strengths: Chastain is known for his aggressive approach, van Gisbergen excels particularly on road courses, while Zilisch brings youthful energy and the capability to perform strongly on both ovals and road circuits. This blend creates a robust foundation as the team approaches future seasons.
The decision to add Zilisch underscores Trackhouse’s strategic intent to invest in future NASCAR stars. Their pattern of bold recruitment—first by onboarding van Gisbergen from Supercars and now embracing young talents like Zilisch—cements their status as a progressive team willing to innovate and take calculated risks.
Building Momentum Toward the 2026 NASCAR Season
Although 2026 may be several years away, anticipation around Zilisch’s NASCAR Cup debut is gaining momentum. By then, Shane van Gisbergen will have broadened his experience in the Cup Series, Ross Chastain is expected to remain a top competitor, and Zilisch will integrate into one of the sport’s most exciting teams.
Van Gisbergen expresses a clear belief that strong teammates enhance a driver’s performance overall. Trackhouse’s addition of Connor Zilisch not only strengthens the team’s lineup but could also accelerate their competitive growth within the NASCAR Cup landscape.
