Shane Van Gisbergen, a New Zealand racing talent, began his NASCAR career in August 2023 with a Craftsman Truck Series debut at Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park shortly after winning the inaugural Chicago Street Course Cup event. Although NASCAR was not initially part of his racing plans, the experience convinced him to focus on the sport, aiming to build his presence on NASCAR ovals and road courses alike.
On his first short-track oval race, Van Gisbergen qualified 28th and finished 19th, a performance that sparked his commitment to NASCAR competition. This transition marks a new chapter for the 36-year-old driver, who has already made waves on NASCAR’s road and street circuits with four victories.
Impressive Road Course Wins and Focus on Oval Improvement
Van Gisbergen has quickly become a dominant competitor on NASCAR’s road and street courses, taking three wins in four Cup series road course races during the current season. His rapid rise on these tracks has earned high praise from Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks, who believes Van Gisbergen’s skillset extends well beyond road circuits.
I think we’ve got someone here that can win anytime we show up on the road courses,
Marks said.
What kind of excites us at Trackhouse more than anything is his speed of development on the ovals.
This enthusiasm from the team led to Van Gisbergen signing a multi-year contract extension just before the Watkins Glen event, underscoring Trackhouse’s confidence in his ongoing growth, particularly on oval tracks.
Deep Technical Knowledge Fuels Rapid Development on Ovals
According to Justin Marks, Van Gisbergen’s quick adaptation to NASCAR oval racing is tied to his deep involvement in the technical facets of the sport. His commitment to understanding car setups and race dynamics sets him apart as he hones his oval skills.
Shane’s proven very, very quickly that he likes to live in that area, that bubble, of just really understanding all the technical details; understanding how the cars are built and just what it takes to go fast,
Marks explained.
I think that’s probably contributed to how fast he’s been able to develop on the ovals. He watches the races and looks at data and really asks the questions of ‘why’. I think that … level of commitment, that level of focus and that level of intelligence are real factors in being successful.
This intellectual approach, combined with natural talent and strong work ethic, is accelerating Van Gisbergen’s progression in a highly competitive sport. His ability to analyze every detail of the car and racing conditions plays a key role in his readiness for victories on oval tracks.
Summer Experience in Charlotte Enhances Close-Quarter Racing Skills
To sharpen his racecraft on ovals, Van Gisbergen spent 10 weeks during the summer competing in a Legends car series at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Racing alongside friend and Team Penske IndyCar driver Scott McLaughlin, as well as NASCAR Cup driver Bubba Wallace, he focused on mastering tight racing situations on the quarter-mile track.
Van Gisbergen won his final race in the series and shared lighthearted moments involving a friendly wager between the three drivers, where the last-place finisher had to pay for dinners.
I only had to pay twice out of 10,
Van Gisbergen said with a smile.
His time at Charlotte taught him specific restart tactics and situational awareness vital for success on short ovals like Martinsville.
It’s very much like Martinsville (on restarts), especially if you choose the top lane, you can gain a row or two and then you’ve got to get back in,
Van Gisbergen explained.
It’s a skill I really struggled at, at Martinsville. I would take the top because it’s appealing to gain spots, but then I wouldn’t know how to get down or if I bumped-and-run someone, I didn’t know how to protect, and they’d get me back the next corner.
He further added:
I had 12-year-olds bump-and-running me and knowing exactly how to place the car. I’d never touch anyone on purpose to pass them. It’s a skill that we don’t get taught because you’re not allowed to do it at home. It’s been really, really beneficial and a lot of fun.
This immersion into close racing dynamics enhances Van Gisbergen’s defensive and offensive tactics for his fast oval learning curve.
Guidance from NASCAR Veterans Aids Van Gisbergen’s Oval Development
Before transitioning fully, Van Gisbergen followed Australian Marcos Ambrose’s NASCAR career closely, maintaining regular contact with him throughout his initial season to prepare for new tracks. That mentorship provided valuable insight and guidance in his early NASCAR days.
More recently, Kevin Harvick, a reigning NASCAR Cup champion, has become Van Gisbergen’s main mentor, especially in oval racing. Harvick encouraged him to race in the Summer Shootout Series to gain experience in tight racing and managing the dual demands of offense and defense.
He’s relatively current, only a year-and-a-half out. It still makes sense, everything I ask him,
Van Gisbergen said.
He’s amazing how open he is and how in detail about something he can go.
Harvick’s up-to-date knowledge and willingness to share expertise have proved invaluable in Van Gisbergen’s ongoing development toward becoming a competitive oval racer.
Long-Term Vision: Balancing NASCAR and Diverse Racing Ambitions
Van Gisbergen’s almost 15 years in the Supercars Series have laid a strong foundation for racing, but he remains open to a broad spectrum of motorsport experiences. While he plans to continue in NASCAR for the foreseeable future, he also expresses interest in European endurance racing and rally driving.
I definitely have a lot of years left in me,
Van Gisbergen said.
We’re lucky as race car drivers. We have a very long shelf life.
He added:
I do have other things in racing I want to try. I still want to do some European stuff. I want to do Nürburgring 24. I want to do a bit more rally car driving.
This broad ambition illustrates a determined and passionate approach to his career, balancing his current NASCAR goals with a desire to explore varied racing disciplines.
Homesickness Challenges Amidst Rising NASCAR Career
Despite his enthusiasm for NASCAR, Van Gisbergen candidly shares the emotional challenge of being far from home. He misses New Zealand deeply but remains committed to his career path in the United States.
I miss home a lot, and there’s no time to get back there,
he admits.
I’ll move back there as soon as I’m done racing. I’m happy here for now.
This mix of personal sacrifice and professional aspiration highlights the resilience driving his quick adaptation to the demanding world of NASCAR.
The Significance of Van Gisbergen’s NASCAR Journey
Shane Van Gisbergen’s rapid rise through NASCAR’s ranks, particularly his quick mastery of oval racing skills alongside undeniable road course dominance, marks him as an emerging force in American motorsports. With mentorship from well-established drivers such as Kevin Harvick and support from Trackhouse Racing, his prospects for future NASCAR wins appear promising.
Moreover, his willingness to embrace technical learning, gain diverse racing experiences, and overcome homesickness reflects the determination needed to succeed in a highly competitive field. His multi-year contract extension signals confidence that Van Gisbergen will be a consistent contender on both road and oval tracks.
As he continues to refine his craft on ovals and pursues broader racing ambitions, Shane Van Gisbergen represents a unique fusion of international talent and NASCAR potential, likely influencing the sport’s evolving competitive landscape in the upcoming seasons.
