Ross Chastain will still be the driver for the No. 1 car in 2026. He’ll have a new crew chief with Brandon McSwain who joined the team after working with William Byron in 2025.
Shane van Gisbergen is moving to the No. 97 car for 2026 after previously racing the No. 88 in his rookie season. His father, Robert van Gisbergen raced with the same number. Shane van Gisbergen has 80 wins in Australian Supercars with the No. 97.
Connor Zilisch is set for his debut season in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026. And, he’ll be doing it in the No. 88, a number made famous by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Zilisch raced the No. 88 for JR Motorsports in 2025.
“I’m thrilled to have Brandon McSwain as my crew chief next year,” said Chastain.
“I worked with Brandon very early in my career and he has a lot of talent and experience as a race engineer. He’s someone I’ve kept my eye on for a while in case the chance to work together ever came to fruition and I’m looking forward to getting started.”
“Becoming a crew chief and working with Trackhouse and Ross is a huge opportunity in my career,” said McSwain.
“Ross is dedicated to the sport and puts a lot of time and effort into his craft. I’m looking forward to helping him continue his success while taking the next step in my career. I appreciate Ross believing in me and can’t wait to get started.”
“It’s awesome to carry a car number that is so special to me,” said 2025 Cup Series Rookie of the Year Van Gisbergen.
“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.”
He added, “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.”
Stephen Doran remains the crew chief for van Gisbergen heading into 2026.
“The 2025 season was pretty special but I’m already starting to look ahead to 2026 and see where we can improve and build off our past success,” said Doran.
“Shane is one of the best road course drivers NASCAR has ever seen and it’s an honor to be part of it. Just being able to build from the very beginning with Shane and adapt to his driving style and learn off each other, it’s special. I’m really looking forward to accomplishing more together next season.”
“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.”
Zilisch added, “I’m looking forward to learning a lot from Randall and his experience in this sport.”
Dale Earnhardt Jr confirms change to 2026 NASCAR playoff format
As previously announced, Randall Burnett will be crew chief for Zilisch in his rookie season.
“Connor is a talented young driver and has been successful in other racing series,” said Burnett.
“To be the guy who will guide him in his first full Cup season and doing it at Trackhouse is a privilege. He’s very energetic and dedicated to being a successful driver.”
“There was an opportunity for the 2026 season to kind of reset everything with our driver lineup changing, Phil Surgen expressing desire to come off the road, and Todd Meredith joining the team,” said Marks.
“We looked at the organization as whole and see the 2026 season as the next iteration of Trackhouse. Ross, Shane and Connor are all excited about who they’re working with next year, the cars they’re driving, and our partners have been very supportive of the changes as well.”
Marks added, “This is another big step in creating the Trackhouse legacy.”
It's more than just a car number. pic.twitter.com/kqEcZwP2Pw
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