Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks disclosed that the organization spent approximately a year monitoring Blake Harris before finalizing his hiring as the crew chief for Shane van Gisbergen’s No. 97 Chevrolet. The move, confirmed on Monday, positions Harris to lead van Gisbergen’s NASCAR Cup Series efforts in 2027, marking a significant strategic shift for the team as it seeks to solidify its competitive edge. Marks, who founded Trackhouse in 2020, emphasized that the decision was not impulsive but rather the result of sustained evaluation of Harris’s capabilities within the garage.
Justin Marks reveals long-term strategy to secure top talent for SVG’s 2027 campaign
Marks highlighted Harris’s reputation as a highly intelligent engineer who possesses a deep understanding of vehicle speed and possesses skills adjacent to the traditional crew chief role, particularly in car builds and development. This technical proficiency aligns with Trackhouse’s operational model, which utilizes Chevrolet chassis and maintains technical ties to Hendrick Motorsports. The connection allowed Trackhouse to initially explore bringing Harris in through existing relationships, ultimately leading to the formal appointment that bridges the gap between development expertise and race-day leadership.
Harris brings proven success to the role, having served as Alex Bowman’s crew chief at Hendrick Motorsports since 2023, where they secured a victory on the Chicago street course in 2024. By securing Harris for the 2027 season, Trackhouse aims to leverage his track record and technical acumen to elevate van Gisbergen’s performance. The hiring underscores Marks’s commitment to building a long-term competitive structure, prioritizing talent with a holistic approach to vehicle performance over short-term fixes.
Source: Yahoo Sports
