Shane van Gisbergen will drive the No. 97 for his second full-time Cup Series season. The No. 97 has many special meanings to Van Gisbergen as his father, Robert van Gisbergen, drove the same number during his racing career. In 2013, Van Gisbergen first debuted the No. 97 in Australian Supercars where he created a legacy for the number with 80 wins, 3 Championships, 48 pole positions and 152 podium finishes. In 2024, Van Gisbergen was honored with the special number for his NASCAR Xfinity Series Rookie campaign. In the No. 97 entry, he claimed three victories and three pole positions.
“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. 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.”
For the second consecutive season, Stephen Doran will remain crew chief for Van Gisbergen and team. He guided Van Gisbergen to five victories – Mexico City, Chicago Street Race, Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway, Watkins Glen (N.Y.) International, Charlotte Roval – the most wins by a rookie in a single season.
“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.”
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