NASCAR News: Van Gisbergen signs with Earnhardt Jr. in 2026

JR Motorsports has announced that Shane van Gisbergen will drive the No. 9 Chevrolet Camaro in select races of the newly renamed NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series in 2026. Joining him in the effort will be Trackhouse Racing teammate Ross Chastain, as the duo takes on a part-time schedule with the team owned by Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Shane Van Gisbergen, driver of the #9 WeatherTech/Red Bull Chevrolet, celebrates after winning the NASCAR Xfinity Series The Loop 110 at Chicago Street Course on July 05, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)

Both van Gisbergen and Chastain, who compete full-time in the NASCAR Cup Series for Trackhouse, will alternate behind the wheel of the No. 9 car throughout the season. Their involvement builds on a successful 2025 Xfinity Series stint, where the pair combined for eight starts.

Van Gisbergen, the New Zealand sensation, delivered a standout performance with a dominant victory on the streets of Chicago and a hard-fought runner-up finish to Connor Zilisch at Sonoma. He was in contention for the win at Watkins Glen before contact with Zilisch ended his day. Chastain, meanwhile, logged five races and notched three top-five finishes.

For 2026, van Gisbergen and Chastain will share duties in the No. 9, rounding out a stacked JR Motorsports lineup of seven drivers. They’ll join full-timers Carson Kvapil, Justin Allgaier, Sammy Smith, Connor Zilisch, and Rajah Caruth in what promises to be a dynamic season for the team.