Shane van Gisbergen will once again join JR Motorsports for select NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races in 2026, sharing the team’s No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro with his Trackhouse Racing teammate Ross Chastain.
The Kiwi star and Chastain are set to split driving duties across 10 events next season, an expansion from the eight races the pair contested in 2025.
While the specific tracks and sponsorship details are yet to be confirmed, the duo’s return reinforces JR Motorsports’ depth for the upcoming campaign.
Both drivers made strong impressions in their part-time stints this year. Van Gisbergen, who continues to compete full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for Trackhouse Racing, impressed in three appearances — claiming a commanding win on the streets of Chicago, a runner-up finish at Sonoma after a thrilling duel with Connor Zilisch, and an unfortunate crash while fighting for victory at Watkins Glen.
Chastain, also balancing a full Cup Series program with Trackhouse, made five starts for JR Motorsports in 2025.
The Florida native delivered three top-five finishes, including a third-place run at Iowa Speedway, showing consistent pace throughout his outings.
The No. 9 entry proved a competitive force throughout the season, with fellow Trackhouse driver Daniel Suárez and Connor Mosack also taking turns behind the wheel.
Suárez notably claimed a win at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, adding to the car’s success story.
JR Motorsports will field a formidable seven-driver roster for the 2026 O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season.
Alongside van Gisbergen and Chastain, the line-up includes full-time contenders Justin Allgaier and Sammy Smith, as well as rising stars Carson Kvapil, Connor Zilisch, and Rajah Caruth.
Van Gisbergen’s continued involvement underscores his growing influence in American motorsport. Since switching from Australia’s Repco Supercars Championship, where he was a three-time title winner, the Auckland native has rapidly become a force in NASCAR.
His record includes multiple Cup Series victories, highlighted by dominant performances on road courses, as well as several triumphs in the second-tier series.
For Chastain, his continued collaboration with JR Motorsports adds another layer to an already successful career.
A veteran of nearly 600 national series starts, he’s twice a winner in what is now the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and has six NASCAR Cup Series victories since joining Trackhouse Racing in 2022.
With van Gisbergen and Chastain reuniting in JR Motorsports’ No. 9 Chevrolet, the 2026 season promises more fireworks from one of the most exciting part-time pairings in the field.
