Trackhouse Racing has officially confirmed that Connor Zilisch will join the team for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series, and veteran driver Shane van Gisbergen (SVG) is all in on the move. Known for its bold roster decisions, Trackhouse continues to shape itself as one of the sport’s most innovative organizations, blending established stars with rising talent.
Van Gisbergen, who made his own high-profile switch from Australian Supercars to NASCAR, sees Zilisch as both an asset and a future challenger. When asked whether the 19-year-old could push him on road courses, SVG welcomed the idea.
“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.”
Connor Zilisch: NASCAR’s Rising Star
The signing of Connor Zilisch highlights Trackhouse’s long-term vision. Despite being just 19, Zilisch has already made a name for himself in lower series with his adaptability and natural talent. For van Gisbergen, it’s sometimes hard to reconcile Zilisch’s maturity with his age.
“He’s still a kid as well,” van Gisbergen admitted. “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.”
SVG compared today’s young American drivers to his own career trajectory, noting how much earlier they begin their careers.
“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.”
Trackhouse Racing’s Formula for Success
With Ross Chastain, Shane van Gisbergen, and soon Connor Zilisch, Trackhouse Racing is building one of the most balanced lineups in the NASCAR Cup Series. Each driver brings a unique skill set: Chastain with his aggressive style, van Gisbergen with world-class road course expertise, and Zilisch with youthful energy and versatility on both ovals and road courses.
Trackhouse’s decision to sign Zilisch shows a clear commitment to developing the next generation of NASCAR talent. The team’s bold approach, first by bringing SVG over from Supercars and now by backing Zilisch, solidifies its reputation as a forward-thinking organization not afraid to take risks.
The Road to 2026
While 2026 may seem far away, the buzz around Zilisch’s debut is already strong. By then, SVG will have more Cup experience under his belt, Chastain will still be in his prime, and Zilisch will step into one of the sport’s most exciting teams.
For Shane van Gisbergen, the outlook is simple: strong teammates make stronger drivers. And as Trackhouse gears up for the future, adding Connor Zilisch could be the move that helps elevate the entire team in the NASCAR Cup Series.
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