Shane van Gisbergen reflects on “no brainer” move to extend with Trackhouse Racing

NASCAR: Cup Series-Practice and Qualifying - Source: Imagn
Shane van Gisbergen (88) looks on during practice and qualifying for the Enjoy Illinois 300 at World Wide Technology Raceway. Image: Imagn

Shane van Gisbergen has called his decision to sign a new multiyear deal with Trackhouse Racing a "no-brainer" after reflecting on his rapid rise from a one-off guest appearance to a full-time Cup contender.

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The three-time Supercar champion moved halfway around the world from New Zealand to the US after making three NASCAR starts in 2023. He won the inaugural Chicago Street Race in his first Cup start.

During a recent SiriusXM NASCAR Radio interview, the No. 97 Chevy driver reflected on his surprise Cup debut and the events that followed.

"When I did that Chicago race, I had no intention of coming over here. And yeah, obviously it went very well," Shane van Gisbergen said.
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Van Gisbergen also talked about his Truck race at Indianapolis Raceway Park and his multi-year contract extension with Trackhouse after a breakout debut Cup season.

"I enjoyed that weekend so much. I was really sick, I remember, for the cup race, but I really loved the truck race at IRP and just how fun it was. ... It's been awesome. I've loved every moment and loved the challenge and so happy when Justin [Marks, team owner] offered to extend, it was a bit of a no brainer. Like, I can see myself here for a lot more years to come," he added.
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Trackhouse arranged a partnership for 2024 that placed Van Gisbergen in a full Xfinity Series season with Kaulig Racing. The program combined regular Xfinity entries with several Cup starts.

This season, Van Gisbergen took home the Cup Series' Rookie of the Year award after collecting five road course wins in Mexico City, Sonoma, Chicago, and the Charlotte Roval. He also scored one top-10 finish during the playoff race at the oval in Kansas City.

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Shane van Gisbergen talks career restart 'at a pretty old age'

Shane van Gisbergen also opened up about uprooting his early life and restarting his career. The 36-year-old pointed it out during the same Sirius XM NASCAR Radio clip.

"It was hard moving across other sides of the world and starting a career again at a pretty old age, I guess, for doing that. But thankfully as a race car driver, we've got a pretty long shelf life," Shane van Gisbergen said.
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Red Bull backed Van Gisbergen through part of the 2025 season. The Trackhouse Racing deal returned Red Bull to NASCAR after a long absence, and the Australian energy drink brand sponsored for a handful of Cup Series races for the Kiwi driver and Connor Zilisch.

Red Bull and Trackhouse have expanded their partnership for the upcoming season that covers 25 NASCAR Cup races, with Van Gisbergen driving the newly assigned No. 97 car. They also revealed the paint schemes that feature a matte dark-blue base.

Get the latest NASCAR All-Star race news, Xfinity Series updates, breaking news, rumors, and today’s top stories with the latest news on NASCAR.

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Edited by Hitesh Nigam
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