Trackhouse Racing will make some changes to its three cars ahead of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season. The team will switch the numbers used by two of its drivers while also welcoming two new crew chiefs into the mix.
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According to a Friday announcement, Ross Chastain will remain in the No. 1 Chevrolet next season. He will have a new crew chief as Brandon McSwain takes over the team. Rookie Connor Zilisch will take over the No. 88 Chevrolet as he moves to the Cup Series on a full-time basis. He will begin working with crew chief Randall Burnett.
Shane van Gisbergen, who led the team with five wins last season, will leave the No. 88. He will switch to the No. 97 while celebrating a special moment. This is the number he has used throughout his career, which includes three Supercars championships and three Xfinity Series wins.
Photo credit: Trackhouse Racing
It's awesome to carry a car number that is so special to me," said van Gisbergen, the Rookie of the Year. "When Justin offered me the opportunity to change to the No. 97, it was pretty special. It's a number that means a lot to my family and me.
"My dad used it in his racing career, so when I started racing, I wanted to use it too, and then basically I've used the No. 97 in everything since. I've had many special moments with that number and it's cool to get the opportunity to create even more in the Cup Series."
Van Gisbergen is the only driver in the lineup who will not have a crew chief change. He will continue working with Stephen Doran after they reached the playoffs together.
It's more than just a car number. pic.twitter.com/kqEcZwP2Pw
— Trackhouse Racing (@TeamTrackhouse) November 7, 2025
With Zilisch taking over the No. 88, he sees some consistency as he moves from the now-former Xfinity Series to the Cup Series. This is the number he used during his Rookie of the Year-winning campaign in which he scored 10 wins.
"It's cool for me to carry on the legacy of the 88 number," Zilisch said. "That number has quickly become important to me and the history of that number in the sport with Shane, Dale Jr., Dale Jarrett, and everyone who has run the 88. I certainly have big shoes to fill but hopefully I'll be able to carry that on.
"I'm really excited to be working with Randall in 2026. We have already started working on how we're going to approach next season. I feel like we are starting to build that relationship which is very important. I'm looking forward to learning a lot from Randall and his experience in this sport."
