Trackhouse Star’s Plea Amid Form Slump, NASCAR Playoff Exit and Van Gisbergen’s Kansas Struggles as Reddick Takes Dramatic Win

Trackhouse Racing’s Shane van Gisbergen has issued a public plea for patience as the team continues to search for answers amid a prolonged slump in form during the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season.

The New Zealand driver, who burst onto the scene with a win in his rookie season, acknowledged the team’s recent struggles following another difficult performance at Kansas Speedway. Speaking after the race, van Gisbergen urged fans and stakeholders to remain supportive while the organization works through its current challenges.

“Stay with us,” van Gisbergen said, directly addressing the growing concern over Trackhouse’s inconsistent results. “We know it hasn’t been the run we wanted, but we’re working hard to turn it around.”

The plea comes as Trackhouse has failed to translate strong qualifying efforts into competitive race runs, a trend highlighted by veteran driver Kevin Harvick in recent commentary. Harvick pointed to the team’s difficulty maintaining speed over long runs, noting that drivers often fade after strong starts.

“They’re struggling. When you see Ross Chastain qualify sixth and get lapped… We saw that from a lot of guys this weekend,” Harvick said on his Happy Hour podcast. “SVG has been the best Trackhouse car, but look at the changes, Ross has got a new crew chief. You got Connor in the mix now; he’s got a new crew chief. We saw some changes within the organization that have happened, and right now it’s not clicking.”

Harvick specifically cited recent crew chief changes for both Ross Chastain and rookie Connor Zilisch as part of the ongoing adjustment period. Despite the personnel shifts aimed at improving performance, the team has yet to see the desired results on track.

The 2026 season has seen Trackhouse Racing face scrutiny over its ability to develop consistency, particularly on intermediate ovals where tire management and long-run speed have proven elusive. Van Gisbergen, who won four races in his rookie campaign, has not replicated that success this year, with the team searching for solutions amid a competitive field.

Despite the struggles, van Gisbergen remains a key figure for Trackhouse, with his road course proficiency still viewed as one of the team’s strongest assets. His recent comments reflect a broader effort to maintain morale and transparency during a challenging stretch.

As the season progresses, Trackhouse will look to stabilize its performance and regain the form that made it one of the fastest-rising organizations in NASCAR just a year ago. For now, the plea from its star driver serves as both an acknowledgment of the current reality and a call for continued support.