In a revealing interview, Shane van Gisbergen shared his experience about racing at Talladega Superspeedway, where he is set to return this weekend. Although he raced at the iconic 2.66-mile tri-oval last season, he didn’t manage to break into the top 20. As a Cup Series rookie, van Gisbergen, originating from New Zealand, pilots the #88 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 for Trackhouse Racing’s third entry. Known for his incredible victory during his NASCAR debut at the 2023 Chicago Street Race, van Gisbergen acknowledges the learning curve he faces with oval racing.
Speaking to Speedway Digest, van Gisbergen expressed the significant role spotters play on Superspeedways, underscoring their critical influence on race outcomes. Despite his lack of high finish placements at Talladega, his determination remains unyielding. As a rookie, van Gisbergen has made two additional starts in the Xfinity Series at Talladega, with his highest finish being P22, illustrating the challenges he faces yet embraces.
The excitement mounts as the Jack Link’s 500 draws near, set to commence at 3:00 PM ET on April 27. Viewers can catch the race on FOX, MRN, or SiriusXM. Meanwhile, veteran driver Denny Hamlin brought attention to Shane van Gisbergen’s potential surprise factor during a recent Actions Detrimental podcast episode. Hamlin, a three-time Daytona 500 winner with a history of success at Talladega, noted van Gisbergen as a possible playoff contender, drawing parallels with Harrison Burton’s unforeseen triumph last season.
Van Gisbergen aims to leverage these discussions and his unique set of skills to make an impact. His journey at Talladega may significantly influence the dynamics of the playoffs. With his resolute attitude, the racing world will be watching closely to see if Shane van Gisbergen can turn the tide and claim his rightful place among the NASCAR elite.
