The motorsport world anticipates a captivating reunion as Scott McLaughlin and Shane van Gisbergen, two titans of Supercars racing, join forces for the 2025 Rolex 24 at Daytona. Their shared history, marked by both camaraderie and fierce rivalry, adds a compelling layer to this exciting partnership under the banner of Trackhouse Racing. This alliance sees them transition from the familiar roar of V8 Supercars to the challenging intricacies of endurance racing in IMSA’s WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, piloting a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R in the highly competitive GTD PRO class.
McLaughlin and van Gisbergen’s relationship stretches back to their formative years in Australian motorsport. McLaughlin, recounting their journey, recalls their early connection during his time in the Dunlop Series, a feeder series for the V8 Supercars Championship, while van Gisbergen was already a prominent figure at Stone Brothers Racing. They maintained a friendly rapport, but as their careers progressed and their paths intertwined at the highest level of Supercars, a fierce rivalry ignited. McLaughlin’s move to Melbourne in 2013 marked the beginning of their on-track battles, intensifying when McLaughlin joined Penske, a team frequently locked in a heated championship fight with van Gisbergen’s Triple Eight Race Engineering.
Their on-track clashes became legendary, fueled by the intense competition and exacerbated by the existing animosity between their respective teams. McLaughlin describes a dynamic where their individual rivalry was amplified by the larger, more entrenched rivalry between Penske, the Ford team, and Triple Eight, the Holden team. The underlying tension between the team owners and management added a layer of complexity to their individual battles, turning what might have been a straightforward sporting rivalry into something more intricate and charged with emotion. The tactics employed, from aggressive on-track maneuvers to psychological gamesmanship, were all part of this multifaceted competition, a testament to their shared desire to win and the high stakes environment of Supercars racing.
Now, putting their past battles behind them, they prepare to tackle the demanding 24 hours of Daytona together. Joining them in the Trackhouse Racing Corvette are Connor Zilisch and Ben Keating, two experienced American drivers, creating a truly international lineup. This blend of seasoned endurance racers and Supercars champions brings a unique dynamic to the team, combining different skill sets and racing perspectives. This diverse quartet will need to seamlessly integrate and work together to navigate the challenges of Daytona, a track known for its high speeds, close racing, and the relentless pressure of a 24-hour endurance race.
For Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks, the Rolex 24 at Daytona represents the realization of a long-held ambition. He highlights the importance of partnering with Chevrolet and TF Sport, emphasizing the need for a strong foundation to compete at this level. Marks also underscores the significance of the driver lineup, expressing confidence in their ability to challenge for the victory. The selection of McLaughlin and van Gisbergen, coupled with the American duo of Zilisch and Keating, signifies Trackhouse Racing’s intent to field a competitive team capable of contending for top honors.
Marks also emphasizes the strategic importance of this venture for Trackhouse Racing. He sees the Rolex 24 as a key step in the team’s global expansion strategy, building upon their recent foray into MotoGP. By participating in one of the world’s most prestigious motorsport events, Trackhouse Racing aims to further elevate its brand on an international stage. The multinational driver lineup, featuring two New Zealanders and two Americans, further reinforces this global vision. The Rolex 24 serves as a vital platform to showcase the team’s ambition and capabilities to a wider audience, furthering their goal of becoming a truly international racing entity.
