Trackhouse Racing is setting out the complete framework for the team’s effort in the NASCAR Cup Series next season.
On Friday, the Justin Marks-led organization confirmed not only its full driver-crew chief lineup for the 2026 campaign, but also the team’s car number assignments.
Ross Chastain is set to continue to serve as the driver of the No. 1 Chevrolet for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series campaign, as he’s done since joining forces with Trackhouse Racing at the start of 2022.
The Alva, Florida-native will be partnered with a brand-new crew chief for the upcoming season, though, with the addition of Brandon McSwain, a long-time engineer on the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports team.
“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.”
McSwain will be taking on his first full-time role as a crew chief in NASCAR’s National Series, but he does have some part-time experience in both the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (Hendrick Motorsports) and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (Billy Boat Motorsports).
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“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.”
After going to Victory Lane five times (on road courses), the most by a rookie in the NASCAR Cup Series, Shane Van Gisbergen is back with Trackhouse Racing, looking to have all-around success in 2026. However, there will be some cosmetic changes to his efforts next season.
The Auckland, New Zealand-native will be piloting the No. 97 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2025, a number that he made famous while competing in Supercars back in Australia — collecting 80 wins, 3 championships, and 152 podium finishes.
“It’s awesome to carry a car number that is so special to me,” said Van Gisbergen. “When Justin [Marks] 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.”
Stephen Doran will continue to serve as crew chief for Shane Van Gisbergen in the NASCAR Cup Series. Doran, in his second year as a full-time crew chief, helped guide the Supercars legend to five victories in 2025 — Mexico City, Chicago Street Race, Sonoma, Watkins Glen, and Charlotte’s 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.”
Connor Zilisch, the 19-year-old phenom from Mooresville, North Carolina, will make his rookie campaign in the NASCAR Cup Series driving the No. 88 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing.
Zilisch, who won 10 NASCAR Xfinity Series events in 2025 and finished second in point standings, will be partnered with veteran crew chief Randall Burnett in his quest to establish himself as a new face at NASCAR’s top level.
“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.”
Burnett moves to Trackhouse Racing from a multi-year stint with Richard Childress Racing, where he has been serving as crew chief of the No. 8 in the NASCAR Cup Series — first with Tyler Reddick and most recently with Kyle Busch.
“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.”
Phil Surgen, who served as the crew chief of the No. 1 Chevrolet for several seasons, moves into a different role with Trackhouse Racing that will require less on-the-road traveling.
“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 a 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. This is another big step in creating the Trackhouse legacy.”
The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series campaign begins with The Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium on February 1.
