Shane Van Gisbergen has highlighted key Shane Van Gisbergen NASCAR differences, describing how NASCAR weekends are much shorter yet filled with emotionally charged pre-race traditions not commonly found in Supercars events back home. These rituals add an exciting dimension to the race experience in the United States, setting it apart from what Supercars fans typically witness.
Though still a rookie in NASCAR, Van Gisbergen’s prior experience in the Supercars Championship gives him a distinct advantage on road courses. His recent victories at Mexico City and the Chicago Street Race have made him a formidable contender at such circuits, establishing him as the driver to beat on these demanding tracks.
Van Gisbergen Discusses Unique Aspects of NASCAR Race Weekends
In a recent episode of Kevin Harvick’s “Happy Hour,” Van Gisbergen elaborated on the differences between NASCAR and Supercars race schedules and atmospheres. He commented on the compact nature of NASCAR weekends and the intense build-up leading to the race:
“I guess just the efficiency of everything on a weekend. Like the weekends are so much shorter, but there’s so much more racing stuff involved. The driver intros the anthem like the pre-race stuff here that they do is fantastic, like you get so wound up before the race.” —Shane Van Gisbergen
“My favorite pre-race is Talladega; you see how emotional everyone is and the anthem’s pumping, and then this truck just comes roaring through with the big flag on. It’s epic, you know. So, we don’t really do that as much at home.” —Shane Van Gisbergen
Van Gisbergen’s observations underscore the heightened emotional energy that NASCAR injects into its events, emphasizing how these traditions contribute to the overall spectacle and fan engagement.
Record-Breaking Weekend Sweep in Chicago Strengthens Van Gisbergen’s Profile
Van Gisbergen made headlines by sweeping both the Xfinity and Cup Series races at Chicago Street Race, achieving these wins from the pole position in both events. This remarkable accomplishment matched a feat last achieved by Kyle Busch in 2016 at Indianapolis, significantly boosting Van Gisbergen’s visibility and stature in NASCAR.
His Chicago success also drove up television viewership compared to previous years, reflecting growing interest in his performances. These wins marked a turning point for Van Gisbergen, positioning him not only as a rookie sensation but also a consistent competitor against established stars.
Goals and Ambitions for the Current NASCAR Season
Now among notable drivers like Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, and Christopher Bell with multiple wins this season, Van Gisbergen aims to improve his overall race placements. The Trackhouse Racing driver has progressed steadily from being an occasional backmarker to consistently finishing within the top 20.
With his playoff spot secured, Van Gisbergen is focused on refining his performance as the season continues. He shared his outlook on growth and race strategy:
“We’re going to start to go back to tracks we’ve been to before. So, we got a bit of a notebook…Like our average pace positions gone from in the 30s to now in the 20s, so now we got to get into the 10th to 15th area.” —Shane Van Gisbergen
Van Gisbergen’s upcoming challenge is the Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway, a 110-lap road course event where he hopes to build on his recent momentum. Following Chicago, he climbed five spots in the driver standings, currently ranked 27th with 308 points and 111 laps led.
Despite his progress, Van Gisbergen was ineligible for the In-Season Challenge due to an earlier ranking outside the top 30, but his recent performance signals a promising trajectory moving forward.
What Fans Should Know About the Next Race
The upcoming Toyota/Save Mart 350 at Sonoma Raceway is scheduled for Sunday, July 13, at 3:30 PM ET. Fans can catch the race on TNT Sports or stay updated via Sirius XM radio broadcasts. As Van Gisbergen aims to extend his winning streak on road courses, expectations are high for another strong showing from the Kiwi driver.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Shane van Gisbergen quit?
A. Shane van Gisbergen believes he made the correct choice by leaving Supercars to follow a career in NASCAR. This year, he starts his first full season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing, after spending 15 years in Supercars.
Q. How much did Shane van Gisbergen win in NASCAR?
A. Stewart-Haas Racing is ending after 16 seasons partly because it’s hard to get sponsors for a four-car team. Stewart is leaving the sport while there are ongoing disagreements between NASCAR and its teams about what’s next for the sport.
