Austin, Texas — Shane van Gisbergen secured his first win at Circuit of the Americas on Saturday evening, reinforcing his status as a formidable competitor across multiple NASCAR divisions. His performance reignites speculation about a potential return to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series as he continues to expand his racing portfolio.
Interest in the Craftsman Truck Series Grows After Success
Having achieved 11 victories combined in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and the NASCAR Cup Series, van Gisbergen has attracted questions about whether he plans to pursue more starts in the Truck Series. The Kiwi driver expressed genuine enthusiasm about making a return to trucks, particularly at tracks like Watkins Glen, hinting at opportunities later in the racing calendar.
“I would love to drive one of those trucks,”
van Gisbergen said when asked by FanBuzz.
“I think maybe it’s Watkins (Glen) or something later in the year is free, so I’m trying. But it’s hard to do. Everything costs money, I guess. But yeah, love to do more Truck starts.”
Van Gisbergen’s Previous Truck Series Experience
Van Gisbergen’s Truck Series experience is currently limited to a single race. He made his debut in the series during the 2023 Chicago Street Race, which he remarkably won, marking a stunning entrance into American NASCAR racing. Subsequently, he reconnected with Trackhouse Racing for a Cup Series event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course, but before that, he tried his hand at the Truck Series on an oval track.
Competing for Niece Motorsports at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park, van Gisbergen drove the No. 41 Chevrolet Silverado and finished 19th, managing to avoid any major incidents. That race remains his sole Truck Series oval start, after which he shifted his focus toward other NASCAR levels, including a full season in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series where he earned three wins, followed by his move to the Cup Series in 2025 with five victories.
Balancing Commitments Across NASCAR Divisions
Although van Gisbergen is committed to a full-time Cup Series schedule, he also plans to participate in select O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races. These appearances are not just for enjoyment or potential wins but are strategically important as part of his continued development within NASCAR’s competitive tiers. His interest in revisiting the Truck Series ties into this broader goal of enhancing his overall driving skills.
“Even things like today, the track, the cars are so different, but it’s so worthwhile,”
van Gisbergen reflected after his COTA triumph.
“Like, I learned a lot today and tried a whole bunch of techniques, and I really hope it will help me tomorrow. So, yeah, I’d love to get in a truck, and I think it’ll make me a better driver.”
Implications for Van Gisbergen’s NASCAR Future
Van Gisbergen’s interest in competing again in the Craftsman Truck Series could provide him with valuable experience that complements his Cup Series performance. His willingness to explore different vehicle types and track formats suggests a strong determination to refine his race craft. Fans and observers can expect van Gisbergen to continue seeking opportunities that challenge him across NASCAR’s diverse racing environments.
https://twitter.com/shanevg97/status/2027910205649059937
