Shane van Gisbergen, the New Zealand racing star, opened up about his rookie NASCAR Cup Series season during an appearance on The Rock’s Morning Rumble. Speaking candidly, he covered a range of topics from the intense thrill of racing on ovals at nearly 300 km/h to his strong dislike for Marmite. These Shane Van Gisbergen NASCAR insights offer a fresh perspective on the challenges and surprises of his debut year in America.
Adapting to the NASCAR Experience
Van Gisbergen, who has impressed with strong performances both on road courses and oval tracks, reflected on his progress so far. He admitted that the beginning was tough, as he familiarized himself with an entirely new style of racing. Despite the early struggles, he noted a steady improvement and growing enjoyment of the sport.
Oh, I don’t know, you always hope for it,
—Shane van Gisbergen
It’s been very challenging, especially at the start trying to learn, but we’ve been getting better most weeks lately, and enjoying it too.
—Shane van Gisbergen
Among his notable achievements, van Gisbergen recently led laps at the prestigious Daytona race, finished 14th at Richmond Raceway, and secured Rookie of the Year honors in his inaugural Cup Series campaign.
What Racing at 300 km/h Actually Feels Like
When asked about the challenge of switching between road courses and oval tracks, van Gisbergen provided an inside look at the physical and mental demands. He described the sensation of entering corners at nearly 300 km/h while surrounded by dozens of other competitors and losing aerodynamic downforce, which makes the handling unpredictable and extremely intense.
You’re doing near 300km/hr into these corners, and you’re surrounded by 35 other dudes (and gals)… there’s no downforce left, there’s no air left, and you’re just shipping it into a corner hoping the banking holds you. It’s like nothing I’ve ever done before.
—Shane van Gisbergen
This vivid depiction highlights how NASCAR driving requires both skill and courage to manage close contact and high speeds simultaneously.
Rapid-Fire Questions Reveal Personality and Rivalries
The interview quickly shifted into a fun, quickfire segment where van Gisbergen shared his thoughts on rivalries and lighthearted topics. Touching on a hypothetical one-minute fight inside NASCAR, he named Austin Hill, recalling their heated battle during the 2024 Sonoma race, where tensions ran high after van Gisbergen’s win.
There were a couple of guys I had moments with last year. Like Austin Hill, he’s a big dude, we’d probably be alright.
—Shane van Gisbergen
Van Gisbergen also addressed an unusual question about adult men borrowing their friends’ underwear, joking that he would prefer to “free-ball” rather than share clothes. This offbeat moment showed his relaxed and humorous side beyond the racetrack.
Shane’s Strong Stance on Marmite Sparks Reactions
When asked about disliked childhood foods, van Gisbergen didn’t hold back on Marmite, calling it “vomit in a can” and confirming it was his least favorite item his mother liked. He even declared that Vegemite was worse, sparking surprise and laughter among listeners.
My mum liked Marmite, but it is vomit in a can, terrible stuff.
—Shane van Gisbergen
Humor and Friendship Highlight Closing Moments
The conversation ended on a playful note when van Gisbergen and host Bryce Casey joked about racing and “shaking and baking” together upon his return to New Zealand. He teased Roger Farrelly, referencing a previous incident where Farrelly crashed a Mazda RX-7 during a Moto Hub shoot at Hampton Downs.
Yeah, sure, don’t invite Roger though, I’ve seen how that goes,
—Shane van Gisbergen
This lighthearted jab and the overall interview reveal van Gisbergen as a grounded, relatable figure in the NASCAR scene, blending intense focus with humor and authenticity.
Looking Ahead in NASCAR
Shane van Gisbergen’s insights not only underscore his rapid rise in NASCAR but also highlight the unique challenges of this racing discipline. His ability to adapt to high-speed ovals and road courses alike, combined with his candid personality, suggests a promising future in the sport. Fans can expect him to continue pushing boundaries and bringing compelling stories from the NASCAR world back home to New Zealand.
