THE latest piece in Shane van Gisbergen’s sponsorship puzzle has fallen into place, with American fast food chain Wendy’s set to back his #97 Chevrolet in July’s Brickyard 400.
The deal between Wendy’s and Trackhouse Racing will see the brand be the primary sponsor on all three of the team’s cars throughout the season, extending to the entries of Ross Chastain and rookie Connor Zilisch.
Wendy’s partnership with van Gisbergen will reach its third year, having backed him in the 2024 Chicago Street Circuit with a ‘Saucy Nuggs’ livery, plus last year at Bristol, with a ‘Breakfast Baconator’ look.
The company also supported SVG for two races at Kaulig Racing in the 2024 Xfinity Series.
Additionally, last year, the company backed Helo Castroneves’ Project91 entry in the Daytona 500.
The brand has recently entered the Australian market with stores on the Gold Coast and Brisbane, while Wendy’s has, in recent years, featured in the sponsor lineup for Brad Jones Racing at New Zealand Supercars rounds.
“Wendy’s has been a big part of my NASCAR journey since I came to the United States,” said van Gisbergen.
Last season, van Gisbergen was sponsored by WeatherTech in 17 races, with that partnership seemingly reduced for the new season.
Red Bull, meanwhile, will return, with the company backing a total of 25 races between van Gisbergen and Zilisch, with the Kiwi to sport the distinctive red and blue hues for the first time in the second event of the season at Atlanta.
For this weekend’s Daytona 500, van Gisbergen will be supported by new backer SuperFile.
Other potential sponsors in the mix for the #97 include SafetyCulture, Quad Lock, and Kubota.
Last year, he was also backed for three races by the underwear brand Jockey, which included a striking New Zealand silver fern livery at Las Vegas.
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