For the first time since 2011, Red Bull is officially back in NASCAR, and this time, they’re teaming up with Trackhouse Racing to back two of the most exciting rising stars in the sport—Shane van Gisbergen and Connor Zilisch.
With five races scheduled for Van Gisbergen’s #88 Chevrolet and Zilisch making his Cup debut in the #87 at Circuit of the Americas, Red Bull’s re-entry into stock car racing marks a major shift in the sport’s sponsorship landscape—and a potential game-changer for Trackhouse’s future.
Red Bull’s NASCAR Comeback: Why Now?
Red Bull’s first foray into NASCAR was ambitious but short-lived, operating as a full-fledged team from 2007 to 2011. But after struggling to break into the sport’s elite tier, they pulled the plug, shifting their focus back to Formula 1, endurance racing, and extreme sports.
But now, they’re back—this time as a sponsor rather than a team owner.
- Why? Because Trackhouse Racing has changed the game.
- How? By signing Van Gisbergen and Zilisch, two Red Bull-backed stars with global appeal.
Team owner Justin Marks knew the opportunity was there, and he wasted no time making the pitch.
“It’s an incredible chapter in the history of Trackhouse Racing to welcome Red Bull back to NASCAR,” Marks said.
“Red Bull and Trackhouse share a passion for racing, stories, and memorable experiences.”
This isn’t just another sponsor deal—it’s a strategic move to bring one of the most iconic motorsport brands back into NASCAR’s ecosystem.
The Red Bull Schedule: Where to Watch Van Gisbergen and Zilisch
Red Bull will be front and center on Van Gisbergen’s #88 Chevrolet at five major races:
🏁 Las Vegas Motor Speedway – March 16
🏁 Sonoma Raceway – July 13
🏁 Iowa Speedway – August 3
🏁 Daytona International Speedway – August 23
🏁 Kansas Speedway – September 28
Meanwhile, Zilisch will make his NASCAR Cup Series debut in the #87 Red Bull Camaro at COTA on March 2—a race that could kickstart a promising Cup career for the young phenom.
Why Van Gisbergen and Zilisch Were the Perfect Fit
Red Bull’s return to NASCAR isn’t just about slapping a logo on a car—it’s about building a future with the right drivers.
Both Van Gisbergen and Zilisch already had ties to Red Bull, making this deal a natural fit.
🔴 Shane van Gisbergen – The Road Course King & Supercars Legend
- 3-time Supercars champion with Red Bull-backed Triple Eight Race Engineering.
- Won his NASCAR debut at Chicago in 2023, instantly proving he could adapt.
- Red Bull continued supporting him after his move to NASCAR.
“It was only a matter of time before Red Bull made this move,” Van Gisbergen said.
“It’s amazing to have them back in NASCAR.”
🔵 Connor Zilisch – The Teenage Phenom
- Became a Red Bull athlete in 2023, just as he dominated in Trans-Am.
- Won his Xfinity Series debut, proving he’s the real deal.
- Trackhouse believes he’s the next big thing in American motorsports.
“Red Bull is going to bring a lot more eyes to NASCAR,” said Zilisch.
“And I think everyone will win when that happens.”
With these two drivers, Red Bull isn’t just dipping its toes back into NASCAR—it’s betting on the sport’s future.
Red Bull’s NASCAR Past: The Rise and Fall of Team Red Bull
This isn’t Red Bull’s first NASCAR rodeo.
🟠 2007-2011 – Team Red Bull ran Toyota-backed Cup cars with drivers like Brian Vickers, A.J. Allmendinger, Scott Speed, and Kasey Kahne.
🟠 Vickers’ Michigan win in 2009 was their only playoff appearance.
🟠 Despite flashes of success, Red Bull pulled out in 2011, selling its assets to BK Racing.
“They thought outside the box,” former team manager Marty Gaunt once said.
Unfortunately, the results never matched the ambition, and Red Bull left NASCAR behind.
But times have changed—and with Trackhouse’s innovative approach, this return could be far more successful.
Final Verdict: Will Red Bull Stay in NASCAR for the Long Haul?
This isn’t just another sponsorship deal—it’s a statement of intent.
With Van Gisbergen and Zilisch leading the charge, Red Bull could become a long-term force in NASCAR once again.
- If Trackhouse delivers strong performances, Red Bull may expand its sponsorship.
- If Van Gisbergen or Zilisch break out, Red Bull could take a bigger role in their careers.
- If NASCAR continues growing internationally, Red Bull might bring even more of its racing empire into stock cars.
For now, one thing is clear:
Red Bull is back. NASCAR just got a lot more exciting.