Shane Van Gisbergen aims to prove himself in a full-time NASCAR Cup ride with Trackhouse Racing's iconic No. 88.
Trackhouse Racing has committed to Shane Van Gisbergen for a full-time NASCAR Cup Series ride starting in 2025, reflecting confidence in his exceptional road racing skills and potential to excel in oval events. This decision comes after Van Gisbergen’s impressive performances despite numerous challenges during the 2024 season, demonstrating why he is a key asset to the team’s future ambitions.
Shane Van Gisbergen’s Mission and Key Victories Affirm His Role
Shane Van Gisbergen’s determination to secure a playoff spot has been evident since his breakthrough win at the Chicago Street Race in July 2023. Driving the No. 91 car as part of Trackhouse Racing’s Project 91, Van Gisbergen became the first driver to win in his debut at this event, showcasing his remarkable talent on road courses. This success, along with three road course wins in the 2024 Xfinity Series, convinced Trackhouse owner Justin Marks to offer Van Gisbergen a full-time position for the 2025 Cup Series season.
Van Gisbergen’s recent victory at the Viva Mexico 250 at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez further reinforced his importance to the team. Leading the majority of laps and defeating Christopher Bell by over 16 seconds, he demonstrated his prowess on road courses despite battling illness during the race. Van Gisbergen reflected on his specialty, stating,
Image of: Shane Van Gisbergen
“That’s why I’m here, to win road races.”
But he also emphasized his commitment to improving on oval tracks:
“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.”
Although Van Gisbergen’s season has seen lows, with only one top-ten finish in 15 races—a sixth place at Circuit of the Americas—his resilience has remained a focal point. Despite logistical hurdles and a severe stomach bug, he stayed true to his skills, adding a much-needed victory to Trackhouse Racing’s campaign alongside teammate Ross Chastain’s win in Charlotte. His crew chief Stephen Doran praised Van Gisbergen’s tenacity, stating,
“The car was obviously OK, but he’s unbelievable. It’s amazing to watch him race at tracks like this.”
Doran also highlighted Van Gisbergen’s perseverance under physical discomfort, saying,
“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.”
The Legacy Behind the No. 88 Car Number
The No. 88 holds a storied place in NASCAR history, famously driven by Dale Earnhardt Jr. during his prime Cup Series career. Under Hendrick Motorsports, Earnhardt Jr. transformed the number into a symbol of redemption and success after leaving his family’s racing team. For Van Gisbergen, piloting the iconic No. 88 for Trackhouse Racing carries significant meaning and responsibility to uphold the legacy.
Justin Marks sought and received approval to continue using the No. 88, speaking about his conversations with Dale Earnhardt Jr., Kelley Earnhardt Miller, and Jeff Gordon. Marks explained,
“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.”
Shane Van Gisbergen’s Growth and Impact on Trackhouse Racing
Van Gisbergen’s outstanding road racing capabilities provide him a crucial advantage as he fine-tunes his oval racing skills. His quick adaptation and victories signal that he can carry Trackhouse Racing to greater heights, contributing to the team’s playoff ambitions. His successful debut and subsequent performances reinforce the strategic decision to position him for a full-time role in 2025.
Achieving playoff success not only boosts team morale but also opens avenues for enhanced sponsorship opportunities and financial rewards, making Van Gisbergen’s role integral to Trackhouse Racing’s growth. With the legacy of No. 88 on his shoulders, he represents both the past and the future of NASCAR within the team’s ranks.
Looking Ahead to the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series Season
Shane Van Gisbergen’s trajectory suggests that his full-time NASCAR Cup Series ride in 2025 could mark a turning point for Trackhouse Racing. His resilience, skill on road courses, and improving oval performance offer a compelling combination for success. As he builds on his recent victories and playoff qualifications, the motorsport world will be watching to see how he balances preserving a legendary legacy while carving out his own distinct path.
Van Gisbergen’s journey underlines the significance of endurance and ambition in NASCAR, and his upcoming season promises an exciting chapter both for himself and for the team that invested confidently in his talents.
