Shane Van Gisbergen Bio
Early Life and Background
Shane Robert van Gisbergen was born on May 9, 1989, in Auckland, New Zealand. He began his motorsport journey at a young age, competing in motocross, quarter midgets, and karting from 1998 to 2004. His early exposure to racing laid the foundation for a successful career in motorsports. Van Gisbergen’s talent was recognized when he won the Rookie of the Year award in the 2004/2005 New Zealand Formula First Championship, showcasing his potential in the competitive racing environment.
Path to NASCAR Cup Series
Van Gisbergen’s career progressed through various racing series, where he achieved notable success. He won the New Zealand Formula Ford Championship in 2005/06, followed by a second-place finish in the 2006/07 Toyota Racing Series. His impressive performances led to a co-driving role in the BNT NZ Supertourers Hankook Super Series in 2014, where he won seven out of nine endurance races. This success paved the way for his transition to the NASCAR Cup Series, where he made his debut in 2023.
Shane Van Gisbergen Career
Early Career (2004-2012)
Van Gisbergen’s early career saw him compete in various New Zealand racing series, culminating in his entry into the Supercars Championship. He made his debut in 2007, becoming the 200th driver to start a race in a V8 Supercar. Over the next five years, he raced for Stone Brothers Racing, achieving a best championship finish of fourth in 2011. His move to Tekno Autosports in 2013 marked a turning point, as he finished runner-up in the championship in 2014.
Supercars Championship Breakthrough (2016-2022)
In 2016, van Gisbergen joined Triple Eight Race Engineering, where he quickly established himself as a top competitor. He won his first race for the team at the Tasmania SuperSprint and went on to secure the Supercars Championship title that year. Van Gisbergen continued to excel, winning the championship again in 2021 and 2022, and achieving a total of 80 wins and 46 pole positions in the series. Notably, he triumphed in the Bathurst 1000 three times, solidifying his status as one of the top drivers in Supercars history.
NASCAR Cup Series Era (2023-Present)
Van Gisbergen made a remarkable entry into the NASCAR Cup Series in 2023, driving the No. 91 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing. He won his debut race at the Grant Park 220 in Chicago, becoming the first driver to win in their NASCAR Cup Series debut since 1963. In 2025, he transitioned to driving the No. 97 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Trackhouse Racing, where he continued to build on his success. He scored multiple wins during the season, including victories at Mexico City and Chicago, becoming the winningest non-American driver in the Cup Series.
Race Car Driver Style and Strengths
Van Gisbergen is known for his aggressive driving style and exceptional skill on road courses. His ability to adapt to various racing conditions and maintain composure under pressure has contributed to his success across multiple racing disciplines.
Notable Achievements and Milestones
Throughout his career, van Gisbergen has achieved significant milestones, including three Supercars Championships and multiple wins at the Bathurst 1000. His transition to NASCAR has also been historic, marking him as the first New Zealander to win a race in the Cup Series.
Shane Van Gisbergen Career Wins
Van Gisbergen has accumulated numerous wins across various racing series, showcasing his versatility and talent as a driver.
Current NASCAR Cup Series Highlights
In the NASCAR Cup Series, van Gisbergen has recorded six wins, including his debut victory at the Grant Park 220 in 2023. He has established himself as a formidable competitor, with a strong performance throughout the season.
Previous Supercars Series Achievements
In the Supercars Championship, van Gisbergen’s achievements include 80 wins and three championships, making him one of the most successful drivers in the series’ history.
Shane Van Gisbergen Family
Family Background and NASCAR Lineage
Van Gisbergen is married to Jessica Dane, who has a background in motorsports and is currently a program manager at Corvette Racing. Their connection to the racing world is significant, as Jessica’s father, Roland Dane, was a co-owner of Triple Eight Race Engineering.
Personal Life
Van Gisbergen maintains a relatively private personal life, focusing primarily on his racing career. His marriage to Jessica Dane has been a supportive aspect of his journey in motorsports.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season has been a pivotal year for van Gisbergen as he drives full-time for Trackhouse Racing in the NASCAR Cup Series. Despite a challenging start, he secured a win at Mexico City, which marked a significant milestone in his career. He continued to demonstrate his prowess on road courses, achieving multiple victories and establishing himself as a leading contender in the series. His performance has set a strong foundation for future seasons, as he aims to build on his success and compete for the championship.