New Zealander Shane Van Gisbergen recently shared insights into his Shane Van Gisbergen NASCAR journey on SiriusXM NASCAR radio, expressing how much he feels at home within the series and his hope to remain involved for many years. Since his surprising debut victory in Chicago, Van Gisbergen has steadily established himself as a formidable presence in NASCAR, especially on road courses, demonstrating remarkable skill in the Next Gen Era.
Though he admits to challenges on oval tracks, the 36-year-old driver has climbed to become the third seed in the current playoffs, earning strong respect from fellow competitors. Reflecting on his transition from outsider to embraced insider, Van Gisbergen said,
“It’s a very American sport which is awesome but to be welcomed by everyone and you brought into the series and feel like I’m a part of it now. That’s one of the coolest things to be an outsider but feel like, you know, everyone’s so friendly towards me and being able to really feel like I’m at home here, that’s probably been the most important one to me. I’ve really enjoyed my time here and tried to embrace the series here and I feel like I love the sport and I hope I’m part of it for a long time to come.”
—Shane Van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
Fastest to Four Wins in the Modern NASCAR Era
Van Gisbergen’s impact has been swift and significant, with four victories in just 34 starts making him the quickest driver in recent history to reach this milestone. Impressively, three of his wins this season came straight from pole position, tying a record held by Jeff Gordon for the most consecutive road course wins starting from pole. These achievements underline Van Gisbergen’s exceptional road racing capabilities, which have distinguished him in a predominantly oval-focused series.
Van Gisbergen Opens Up About His Past in Australian Supercars
Before fully committing to NASCAR, Van Gisbergen competed in the Australian Supercars Championship, where he won three titles but has confessed that he did not enjoy driving those cars. The Kiwi driver expressed a clear preference for his current racing environment, contrasting the past with his present experience in NASCAR.
“I was really hating racing in Australia. I hated driving those cars. Now, I’ve never had so much fun racing, going to the racetrack every single weekend. I really love what I do,”
—Shane Van Gisbergen, NASCAR Driver
Upcoming Challenges and Key Rivalries
Shane Van Gisbergen is preparing to take on the high-speed challenge of Dover International Speedway in the upcoming Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400, a 400-lap race on the demanding “Monster Mile.” This event represents a significant test on a track quite different from his usual strengths on road circuits. Fans will be able to watch Van Gisbergen compete at 2 PM ET on Sunday, July 20, on TNT Sports.
Following Dover, Van Gisbergen will return to his preferred terrain at Watkins Glen International, where he is set for a double-duty weekend that also features a highly anticipated rematch with 18-year-old rising star Connor Zilisch. Their recent encounters have showcased tight competition, with Zilisch gaining the upper hand at Sonoma, while Van Gisbergen won their earlier battle in Chicago.
The Road Ahead for Van Gisbergen in NASCAR
Shane Van Gisbergen’s journey from a newcomer to a playoff contender and fan favorite illustrates his adaptability and passion within NASCAR. His strong road course performances and engaging racing style continue to draw attention, creating excitement for his future in the sport. As he tackles new challenges on oval tracks and reignites rivalries, Van Gisbergen’s presence is set to remain a compelling storyline throughout the remainder of the season and beyond.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Shane van Gisbergen, Adelaide?
A. Sadly, Van Gisbergen’s last races did not go as hoped. On Saturday, during the first lap, he hit Will Brown’s damaged car at Turn 4. On Sunday, brake problems kept him from completing the race.
Q. Is Shane van Gisbergen an American citizen?
A. Shane Robert van Gisbergen, often called SVG, is from New Zealand and races professionally. He was born on May 9, 1989.
Q. How many Supercar Championships did Shane van Gisbergen win?
A. Shane van Gisbergen, often called “SVG,” has an outstanding track record. He has won the Bathurst 12 Hour race and achieved a podium finish in the 24 Hours of Daytona. Additionally, he has secured three championships in the Australian Supercars series.
