Shane Van Gisbergen‘s NASCAR journey encountered a dramatic hurdle just before the highly anticipated Mexico City race weekend, the first international points-paying event in NASCAR history. An engine failure on a chartered plane forced a sudden halt to the Trackhouse Racing team’s travel plans, delaying their arrival and disrupting preparations for the event at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez. Despite this unexpected setback, Van Gisbergen remained composed, preparing to compete on a challenging street-style track that suited his road course expertise.
Historic NASCAR Debut and Rising Expectations
In July 2023, Shane Van Gisbergen made headlines by winning his NASCAR Cup Series debut at the Chicago Street Course, an achievement that no driver had accomplished in over six decades. Driving the No. 91 Project91 Chevrolet for Trackhouse Racing, Van Gisbergen started 18th and skillfully maneuvered through the field to claim victory on a wet and demanding course. His success on this road course elevated expectations for his performances on other street circuits and road courses. As NASCAR expanded to Mexico City, Van Gisbergen eyed this new event as another chance to showcase his skills.
Travel Disruptions Impact Multiple Teams
The excitement surrounding NASCAR’s expansion to Mexico City was overshadowed by travel chaos when a chartered plane carrying numerous key team members from Trackhouse Racing, Sam Hunt Racing, Haas Factory Team, and DGM Racing suffered a fan blade failure prior to takeoff from Charlotte Douglas International Airport. This incident forced a runway shutdown for cleanup, leading to delays and leaving nearly 100 crew members stranded. Further compounding the problem, a second charter flight also encountered issues, making it difficult for teams to assemble their full staff before initial race weekend activities.
Van Gisbergen and Team Maintain Optimism Despite Limited Support
With only a skeleton crew present initially, Van Gisbergen remained confident about handling the challenges. When asked about concerns over team shortages, he said,
“Not really. They’ve got it pretty under control. Obviously, it’s not ideal, but it’s fine. Thankfully, the practice delay gave us more than enough time to get everything sorted. Yeah, it’s fine.”
—Shane Van Gisbergen, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
He also praised NASCAR’s response to the crisis, recognizing the complexity of coordinating logistics across multiple teams.
“Yeah, I’m fine with it. You can’t predict that kind of stuff happening. There are so many moving parts. I think everyone who’s needed is down here now. They’ve done a good job salvaging it.”
—Shane Van Gisbergen, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Van Gisbergen’s crew chief, Stephen Doran, maintained a similarly positive outlook, acknowledging the challenges but affirming readiness.
“Skeleton crew, there’s only three or four of us on each of our cars. But yeah, we’ll be fine.”
—Stephen Doran, Crew Chief
NASCAR Adjusts Schedule to Accommodate Travel Delays
In light of the travel disruptions, NASCAR officials acted quickly to mitigate damage to teams’ preparations by delaying practice sessions and technical inspections. This adjustment ensured that teams with reduced personnel could still adequately prepare their cars. NASCAR released a statement explaining the revised schedule:
“Due to two aircraft issues that grounded multiple race teams in Charlotte, N.C., on Thursday, NASCAR has adjusted the on-track schedule for this weekend’s activities at Mexico City’s Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.”
Doran acknowledged the positive impact of the schedule changes but emphasized the work still needed:
“Them adjusting the schedule definitely helped us out a little bit. But we just got to get caught up now.”
—Stephen Doran, Crew Chief
Van Gisbergen’s Outlook on Mexico City and Road Course Potential
Coming into Mexico City, Van Gisbergen is aware of the stakes. Ranked 33rd in the Cup standings early in the 2025 season and yet to secure a win, he views this race as a critical opportunity to turn his fortunes around. The Mexico City layout, with its technical and challenging nature, fits well with his road racing strengths.
“I’ve been doing a lot of simulation lately, and it’s pretty cool, a challenging and big track. There are lots of technical sections, and it’s going to be very difficult. Turn 1 is going to be carnage, I think, with how NASCAR restarts are,”
Van Gisbergen noted. —Shane Van Gisbergen, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Unlike the oval circuits that have proven difficult for him, Van Gisbergen has continued to excel on road courses. His sixth-place finish at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) road course in 2025 showcased his potential, while his victory in Chicago remains unmatched among full-time drivers. He acknowledged,
“Everyone expects us to perform on road courses. Not that we have been hanging out for it, but the ovals have been a big learning process the last couple of months.”
—Shane Van Gisbergen, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Despite confidence in his ability, Van Gisbergen is realistic about the challenges.
“I know I’ll be good at them, but having an advantage, no. Other people have been there before, and the unknowns, the air, and how different the cars will feel with no downforce and stuff, are big. I don’t think it’s an advantage, but I certainly know I’ll be okay there.”
—Shane Van Gisbergen, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
The Road Ahead for Van Gisbergen in NASCAR’s International Expansion
With three road courses lined up in the next five races, this part of the season could significantly shape Shane Van Gisbergen’s standing in the NASCAR Cup Series. The Mexico City event offers him the perfect stage to rebound from earlier struggles and re-establish himself as a serious playoff contender. The travel disruptions and logistical challenges only add to the pressure, but Van Gisbergen’s measured and determined approach may help him overcome obstacles and seize this critical turning point.
As teams adjust to new environments and unexpected setbacks, the weekend at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez will test not only driving skill but also resilience and adaptability. Should Van Gisbergen succeed, his victory could mark a defining moment in his NASCAR career and in the sport’s expansion beyond U.S. borders.
