Who Is Shane Van Gisbergen’s Crew Chief, Stephen Doran? All About the Strategist Guiding the Trackhouse Racing Star

Shane van Gisbergen’s arrival in NASCAR has been nothing short of historic and disruptive for the status quo. After a dominant Supercars career in Australia, the Kiwi ace joined Trackhouse Racing and quickly racked up wins on NASCAR’s toughest road courses, from Chicago’s street circuit (where he won in his Cup debut) to Mexico City and Sonoma. By late 2025, van Gisbergen boasted a fourth Cup Series victory for the season at Watkins Glen and solidified his place as the winningest rookie in series history.

Central to Shane van Gisbergen’s meteoric success is the partnership he’s formed with Stephen Doran, his crew chief and strategist. As Trackhouse Racing’s technical leader, Doran’s career trajectory has shaped the fortunes of NASCAR’s new road course king. “As a team, it’s such a cool atmosphere to be a part of,” said SVG, emphasizing the collaborative spirit fostered by Doran’s leadership in the team. So who is Stephen Doran? Let’s get to know him a bit.

Stephen Doran’s early life and background

Stephen Doran grew up in Butler, Pennsylvania, and was immersed in racing culture almost from birth. His earliest memories feature weekend trips to local dirt tracks with his father, who was a mechanic for grassroots racing teams in the region. By his teens, Doran was familiar with more than just the sound of engines. He was helping haul rigs, mount tires, and change oil for small outfits at Pennsylvania’s local circuits.

This blue-collar upbringing instilled a love for practical problem-solving and a relentless work ethic. Doran was known for asking questions and shadowing older mechanics at Petty Enterprises, where he landed his first real motorsports gig as a garage assistant in 2006. This was the formative stage where he developed the adaptability and attention to detail needed to thrive in the intensely competitive world of race engineering.

How did Stephen Doran climb the ranks of NASCAR?

Stephen Doran’s NASCAR journey began in 2006 with Petty Enterprises, where he started as a setup mechanic, working long nights prepping cars for the likes of Bobby Labonte. Committed to mastering every aspect of the sport, he quickly earned promotion to secondary engineer, focused on suspension data and tire wear. Now, these were the key skills that would shape his future. By 2014, Doran was at Stewart-Haas Racing as lead race engineer on Kevin Harvick’s team.

His analytical mind was pivotal in helping Harvick win the 2014 Cup championship, building a reputation for disciplined preparation and strategic racing. In 2023, Doran ascended to interim crew chief for Zane Smith at Spire Motorsports, steering the No. 71 crew through fuel gambles and complex pit calls that earned top-five finishes. Trackhouse Racing, eyeing the future, recruited Doran as SVG’s crew chief for the 2025 Cup season. They trusted him to shepherd their latest star through NASCAR’s unforgiving learning curve as a rookie.

What challenges and controversies did Stephen Doran face as a crew chief?

Like many crew chiefs, Doran’s rise involved high-pressure moments that tested his skills and adaptability. In 2022, during Stewart-Haas Racing’s L2-level penalty to the No. 4 team for unapproved modifications, Doran was appointed as interim crew chief for the Charlotte Roval race while regular crew chief Rodney Childers served a suspension. This opportunity allowed Doran to demonstrate his leadership and strategic decision-making under pressure, further solidifying his reputation as a capable and dependable figure in the garage.

His tenure with Shane van Gisbergen at Trackhouse also included drama. A loose wheel incident at Martinsville this year resulted in penalties and nearly cost the team a crucial top-10 finish. While Doran was ultimately cleared, his calm handling of the situation served as proof of his resilience.

How has Stephen Doran’s partnership with SVG defined his career?

Stephen Doran’s synergy with Shane van Gisbergen has elevated both men to new heights. Their working relationship hinges on mutual respect and open feedback. Well, this was a necessity for Shane van Gisbergen, who was still adjusting to NASCAR ovals after years on international circuits. SVG credits Doran’s detailed simulations and transparent communication for the rapid learning curve that produced victories at Mexico City, Chicago, Sonoma, and Watkins Glen.

Both crew chief and driver buy into a culture of preparation and adaptability, tackling every weakness until it becomes a strength. SVG himself has said after winning at Watkins, “It means everything…The prep that we go through, not just for road courses. But we do every week.” That chemistry has translated into playoff points, historic rookie records, and celebrations in the Trackhouse shop. Doran’s steady hand and tactical acumen have enabled SVG to focus on racing. It has made SVG more confident that the garage will support breakthrough moments and correct course after setbacks.

What does the future look like for Stephen Doran?

Doran’s future in NASCAR is certainly bright and innovative. At just 38, he is among a new generation of crew chiefs blending classic garage wisdom with modern engineering. The possibility of career transitions looms: team management, technical director, or spearheading future Cup programs. Doran’s partnership with Shane van Gisbergen could evolve further, perhaps influencing Trackhouse Racing’s expansion or mentoring future young talents.

His long-term influence will also be defined by how he balances technological advances with team tradition and driver psychology. If Doran continues to marry preparation with adaptability and keeps developing stars like SVG, his impact as a strategist and leader will shape not only his legacy; but the future direction of the sport.