NASCAR
Red Bull to Sponsor Shane van Gisbergen, Connor Zilisch in 2025 Cup Season
CONCORD, N.C. – Announced Thursday, Red Bull is now the official energy drink of Trackhouse Racing. They will be the primary partner for Shane van Gisbergen’s No. 88 Chevrolet in five NASCAR Cup Series races. The popular energy drink will also ride with Connor Zilisch. The 18-year-old is scheduled to make his Cup Series debut in the No. 87 Red Bull Chevrolet at Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Austin, Texas on March 2.
“It’s an incredible chapter in the history of Trackhouse Racing to welcome Red Bull back to NASCAR,” said Trackhouse founder and owner Justin Marks. “Red Bull is one of the most powerful brands in the world and it’s an honor for us to embark on a partnership with such an iconic company.”
“Red Bull and Trackhouse share a passion for racing, stories, and memorable experiences. This is a huge win for our sport and a moment that will resonate with the millions of NASCAR fans around the world. I’m thrilled for Connor, Shane, and every member of Trackhouse to partner with who I consider to be the greatest motorsport company in the world. We are more than honored to welcome Red Bull to the Trackhouse Racing family.”
Van Gisbergen has familiarity with Red Bull, being one of their athletes dating back to 2016 in Supercars. The New Zealand native won this series’ championship in 2016, 2021 and 2022. A combined 78 wins and 47 poles make SVG the fourth-most successful driver in Supercars history. He also won the crown jewel Bathurst 1000 in 2020 and 2022.
SVG made his widely publicized NASCAR debut in 2023’s inaugural Chicago Street Race, driving Trackhouse Racing’s PROJECT91 Chevrolet. This venture was Marks’ brainchild, offering international racing stars a NASCAR opportunity. SVG put the racing world on notice that day, becoming the first driver in 60 years to win his Cup Series debut.
Following this huge victory, SVG moved to America as a Trackhouse development driver. He spent 2024 primarily driving in the Xfinity Series for Kaulig Racing, winning three times. For 2025, SVG will be a full-time Cup Series rookie.
Van Gisbergen will drive the iconic Red Bull colors starting March 16 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Other Red Bull races for SVG include: Sonoma Raceway on July 13, Iowa Speedway (Aug. 3), Daytona International Speedway (Aug. 23) and Kansas Speedway (Sept. 28).
“I have enjoyed a lot of new experiences and met a lot of new people since coming to NASCAR, but it is nice to be joined by Red Bull who has been a big supporter of mine for many years back home,” said Van Gisbergen.”
“I’d love nothing more than to give Red Bull a victory as a way to thank them for joining myself, Connor and Trackhouse Racing.”
Zilisch, another Trackhouse development driver, made his own big splash onto the NASCAR National stage in 2024. A very stout racing résumé is highlighted by winning his Xfinity Series debut at Watkins Glen, as well as two Craftsman Truck Series poles, victories at the Rolex 24 in Daytona, the 12 Hours of Sebring, four ARCA races and a CARS Tour event.
2025 will see Zilisch primarily race full-time in the Xfinity Series for JR Motorsports. His relationship with Red Bull dates back to being signed as a Red Bull Athlete in August.
“I was surprised when they presented me my Red Bull helmet and hat last summer and doubly surprised when they told me I would make my Cup debut in the No. 87 with a Red Bull paint scheme,” said Zilisch. Both Zilisch and Van Gisbergen were in a video released today revealing the sponsorship and new Trackhouse partner.
“Red Bull is going to bring a lot more eyes to NASCAR and I think everyone will win when that happens.”
Mostly known by race fans globally today for their iconic Formula 1 team, Red Bull does have past NASCAR connections too. Red Bull Racing was a stock car team from 2006-2011, earning two Cup wins with Brian Vickers and Kasey Kahne. Vickers also put a Red Bull Toyota into their lone Cup Series Playoff appearance in 2009. The energy drink now celebrates a triumphant return to American motorsports. The years since have seen Red Bull take eight of the last 15 F1 World Driver’s Championships with Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. The 27-year-old Dutchman Verstappen is the four-time defending F1 world champion.
We will not have to wait long to see the Red Bull colors hit the track again. COTA is race three of the 2025 season, and SVG’s first showing with them is two weeks later. Seeing such a recognized brand back in NASCAR is a welcome sight to behold for the new season.
Written by Peter Stratta
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Photo Credits to Trackhouse Racing
