Van Gisbergen moves to Cup Series full-time in 2025

Shane van Gisbergen is set to make a full-time leap to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2025 as Trackhouse Racing expands its lineup to include three cars. Van Gisbergen will be behind the wheel of the No. 88 Chevrolet Camaro for Trackhouse as they grow into a three-car team next season. The team has already secured the necessary charter, as confirmed in an official release. Stephen Doran, who is currently Zane Smith’s crew chief, will step into the role for van Gisbergen. The team announced Smith’s release from his contract on Saturday.

Van Gisbergen will join forces with teammates Ross Chastain and Daniel Suárez. This lineup will make Trackhouse Racing the only team in NASCAR to field three full-time drivers from three different countries— the United States, Mexico, and New Zealand.

“This is a big day in so many ways for Trackhouse Racing, Shane, Chevrolet and race fans around the world,” said Justin Marks, Trackhouse founder and owner. “This is an important step for our organization and it’s a credit to the men and women at Trackhouse Racing whose hard work and success the last few years has led to us expanding to three Cup teams in 2025.

The three-time Supercars champion amazed race fans and the industry when he won at the Chicago Street Course in his debut last year. He became the first driver in over six decades to win a Cup race on their first try, prompting him to leave Supercars for a bold move into full-time stock car racing. Under Trackhouse Racing’s guidance, Van Gisbergen transitioned into the NASCAR Xfinity Series. He has been driving for Kaulig Racing while learning oval racing and producing 3 wins on road courses.

Van Gisbergen’s Xfinity wins at Portland, Sonoma, and Chicago have solidified his place in the 2024 playoffs, while his growing proficiency on ovals has also been on display, with notable finishes including third at Atlanta, fourth at Indianapolis, and sixth at Phoenix.

He has also been competing in a limited schedule on the Cup side with the No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet. As part of the preparation for his full-time Cup transition, his schedule has been expanded, allowing him to compete in seven of the final 12 Cup races.