The 2025 NASCAR season hasn’t even begun, but Trackhouse Racing is already stealing the spotlight. With four international drivers set to compete in the Daytona 500 and a flashy new car reveal for the Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, the team is making waves before a single lap has been turned. But not all fans are thrilled—especially when it comes to Shane van Gisbergen’s highly anticipated full-time debut in the Cup Series.
Trackhouse Racing’s Star-Studded Roster Shakes Up NASCAR
With Shane van Gisbergen (New Zealand), Ross Chastain (USA), Daniel Suárez (Mexico), and Kimi Räikkönen (Finland) in the Daytona 500 lineup, Trackhouse Racing has built an international superteam unlike anything NASCAR has seen before.
The team, led by Justin Marks, has already gained a reputation for its quirky marketing, aggressive driving style, and unconventional branding. Now, Trackhouse is turning heads again with its bold new car designs for the Clash—a race that itself is making history.
The Clash at Bowman Gray: A Historic Return
For the first time since 1971, NASCAR’s top series will return to Bowman Gray Stadium, better known as “The Madhouse.” Unlike the sun-soaked streets of L.A.’s Coliseum—where the Clash was previously held—the Winston-Salem venue promises freezing temperatures and an old-school short-track brawl.
Trackhouse decided to match the winter vibes with its striking new paint schemes. The No. 88 Chevy (van Gisbergen) and No. 1 Chevy (Chastain) are decked out in a mix of blue, black, neon green, and white—a stark contrast to NASCAR’s traditionally warmer color palettes.
The team showcased the designs with a dramatic social media post, featuring a glowing Trackhouse Racing logo above the cars, accompanied by the caption:
“Looking good, @RossChastain and @shanevg97. 😉 We’ve joined forces with our great partners at Bowman Gray to showcase our new brand identity.”
But while the reveal was meant to excite fans, it sparked immediate debate.
SVG’s NASCAR Journey: From Supercars King to Cup Series Rookie
For Shane van Gisbergen, this moment has been a long time coming. After shocking the NASCAR world by winning the Chicago Street Race on debut in 2023, the three-time Supercars champion spent 2024 honing his skills in the Xfinity Series, where he picked up three road course victories.
Now, the Kiwi finally has a full-time Cup ride, and Trackhouse is pulling out all the stops to make his debut a blockbuster.
The new livery reveal is just one part of the SVG hype train. Another major factor? Red Bull has officially joined Trackhouse Racing.
The global energy drink giant, famously associated with Formula 1, was previously in NASCAR from 2006 to 2011. Now, it’s back—thanks to SVG. The Kiwi has been a Red Bull athlete since 2016, and he’s eager to deliver for his longtime sponsor:
“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.”
A Polarizing Reveal: Fans Split on Trackhouse’s Bold Move
Despite the excitement surrounding SVG’s full-time Cup debut and Red Bull’s return to NASCAR, the new Trackhouse livery has divided fans into two factions.
- Some love the modern, futuristic aesthetic, saying it reflects SVG’s bold, high-energy racing style.
- Others feel the design is too flashy or doesn’t fit NASCAR’s traditional look, claiming that Trackhouse is trying too hard to stand out.
SVG has always been a polarizing figure, with his road course dominance and aggressive driving style making him both a fan favorite and a lightning rod for criticism. Now, even his car’s paint job is causing debate.
What’s Next for SVG and Trackhouse?
While the design debate rages on, one thing is certain: Trackhouse Racing is making SVG’s Cup Series debut impossible to ignore.
With a Red Bull-backed car, a high-profile Clash entry, and a global fanbase, van Gisbergen is stepping into one of the most hyped rookie campaigns in recent memory.
Whether you love or hate the new Trackhouse look, one thing is undeniable: SVG is here to shake things up, and NASCAR is paying attention.
