NASCAR insider reveals potential Connor Zilisch number issues with Shane van Gisbergen after Trackhouse promotion

Here’s what we know: Connor Zilisch will drive full-time for Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series in 2026. Here’s what we don’t know: which number will be on the sides of Zilisch’s Chevrolet and who will sit atop the pit box as crew chief.

Trackhouse said in a release Saturday that Zilisch’s car number and crew chief will be announced “in the coming weeks.” What could make things interesting is that Zilisch has used the No. 88 this season for JR Motorsports in the Xfinity Series. Shane van Gisbergen currently drives the No. 88 Chevrolet for Trackhouse in Cup. Trackhouse owner Justin Marks will have some decisions to make.

“The team didn’t announce a number for Zilisch,” Bob Pockrass of FOX Sports wrote on X. “Would think they have to decide whether he should carry the 88 after being with JRM and change SVG’s number or have Zilisch in the 99 or the 87 or another. Justin Marks says those announcements will come in future weeks.”

As Pockrass mentioned, Daniel Suárez, who will leave Trackhouse after the season, has piloted the No. 99 car since 2021. Zilisch has made three Cup starts this season, all coming in the No. 87 car. Trackhouse did confirm that Red Bull and WeatherTech will continue to serve as anchor sponsors for Zilisch next season.

Trackhouse wastes no time giving Connor Zilisch a promotion

While the announcement of Zilisch making the jump to Cup was hardly a surprise, it’s still notable in that the 19-year-old hasn’t even completed one full-time season in the Xfinity Series. But against Xfinity competition, Zilisch has been dominant.

Zilisch has eight wins in 27 starts, including a series-leading seven in 2025. The latest came Friday night at Daytona International Speedway when Zilisch, coming off surgery to repair his broken collarbone, made way for Parker Kligerman, who drove the car to Victory Lane in relief.

Zilisch is special; Trackhouse knew that before Zilisch stepped into the NASCAR world, signing him to multi-year developmental deal in January 2024. Now, Trackhouse will head into 2026 at its strongest with Zilisch joining playoff drivers Ross Chastain and van Gisbergen.

“It’s going to be an incredible journey,” Zilisch said, via Zack Albert of NASCAR.com. “You know, I’m so excited for the next 10, 15, 20 years, hopefully in this world of NASCAR racing. I’ve enjoyed my time so far, but I really do hope there’s a long, long journey left ahead of me. I really am having a lot of fun.”