Trackhouse Racing, a team that has been making waves in the racing world since its inception in 2021, has a secret weapon in its arsenal – Stephen Doran. The man who has been instrumental in the team’s success is the crew chief for three-time Supercars champion, Shane van Gisbergen, also known as SVG. The formidable pairing of Doran and SVG promises to make a significant impact on the 2025 Cup Series grid.
Stephen Doran’s journey into the world of NASCAR is a tale of dedication, perseverance, and endless passion for the sport. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, Doran began his NASCAR journey as a young aspirant at Petty Enterprises in 2006. He then moved on to work under the esteemed Richard Petty for nearly eight years, a period that significantly shaped his career.
In 2014, Doran joined the renowned Stewart-Haas Racing, where he served as the lead engineer for Kevin Harvick between 2014 and 2023. His significant contribution to Harvick’s 2014 Cup Series championship win is a testament to his skills and knowledge of the sport.
Doran’s prowess didn’t go unnoticed. In 2024, he was brought on board the No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet team as a crew chief, where he guided rookie racer Zane Smith to remarkable success, including two top-five and four top-ten finishes across the Cup Series season.
The 2025 season holds promising prospects for SVG, despite a rocky start. The Kiwi racer, who made an impressive debut with a NASCAR Cup Series win in 2023, had a disappointing run in Daytona and Phoenix, finishing outside the top 30. However, with Doran by his side, SVG’s performance at Atlanta was nothing short of remarkable.
Despite his limited experience, SVG’s performance on ovals and superspeedways, traditionally considered his weak spots, has shown significant improvement. He even caught the attention of Denny Hamlin, who praised SVG’s rapidly improving skills and his ability to handle pressure.
With Doran’s expertise and SVG’s innate talent, the duo is expected to bring Trackhouse Racing to new heights. As the crew chief for SVG’s No. 88, Doran is poised to play a pivotal role in SVG’s quest for the Cup Series. The racing world can only wait and watch as this formidable pairing takes on the NASCAR track with renewed vigor and determination.
