Legends car racing has long served as a proving ground for emerging drivers to refine their skills, and recently, Australian Supercars champion Shane Van Gisbergen has embraced this platform to enhance his performance in the NASCAR Cup Series. Representing Trackhouse Racing, Van Gisbergen took part in the 2025 Cook Out Summer Shootout at Charlotte Motor Speedway, using the series to sharpen his racecraft in preparation for NASCAR‘s demanding challenges.
How Bubba Wallace Encouraged Van Gisbergen’s Legends Car Participation
Van Gisbergen revealed in a conversation with Corey LaJoie on the Stacking Pennies podcast that it was Bubba Wallace of 23XI Racing who initially got him involved with Legends cars. Alongside Scott McLaughlin, the three drivers found themselves competing against younger racers in the shootout, which fostered both friendly rivalry and valuable learning opportunities. The trio’s dynamic was lively, with Van Gisbergen humorously recalling a bet they made where the last-place finisher would buy dinner.
Lessons Learned from Intense Legends Car Competition
Reflecting on the ten rounds of competition, Van Gisbergen highlighted the intense and chaotic nature of restarts similar to those at Martinsville, emphasizing strategy and composure as critical. He explained,
“You learn a lot. So, you have to choose yourself. The restarts are crazy. The restarts are just like Martinsville. You know, if you choose the outside, you can gain a row, but you have to get down as quick as you can … And then also keep in your head, like if someone hits you, you can’t just snap and get angry at that guy. You’ve got to kind of get your momentum going. It’s been fun learning that.”
This insight points to the necessity of controlling emotions and staying focused despite the bruising nature of NASCAR competition, lessons van Gisbergen is absorbing through Legends car racing against tough, aggressive opponents.
Van Gisbergen’s Success at Charlotte and Its Significance
The final round of the summer shootout took place on July 29, where Van Gisbergen qualified third in the Pro Legends A-Feature behind Jake Bollman and Tyler Reif. Demonstrating skill and poise, he narrowly claimed victory in the 25-lap race by just 0.417 seconds. This win marked his first-ever oval track victory in the United States and is a promising milestone as he continues to adapt to NASCAR’s unique challenges in his Chevrolet Camaro during Cup Series racing.
What This Means for Van Gisbergen’s NASCAR Future
The highly competitive environment of Legends cars, where Van Gisbergen often faces aggressive teenagers, is preparing him to navigate the cutthroat and sometimes confrontational world of the NASCAR Cup Series. As drivers frequently respond sharply to on-track incidents, his newfound patience and strategic thinking could prove essential. The skills gained here suggest that Van Gisbergen is steadily growing more confident and capable as he seeks his next breakthrough – an oval victory within NASCAR’s premier series.
