Shane Van Gisbergen, a celebrated V8 Supercars champion from New Zealand, has shocked many by revealing that he disliked driving Supercars before finding success in NASCAR. Since joining Trackhouse Racing, the 36-year-old Kiwi driver has adapted quickly and secured multiple NASCAR victories, proving his versatility across racing disciplines.
Van Gisbergen’s recent win at the Mexico City race earned him a spot in the NASCAR Playoffs, stirring debate about the format but underscoring his quick rise within the stock car series. Despite early difficulties adapting to NASCAR’s style, he has demonstrated resilience and improvement, silencing critics and affirming the confidence of Trackhouse Racing owner Justin Marks.
From Supercars Discontent to NASCAR Enjoyment
While Van Gisbergen built his reputation dominating the Australian Supercars Championship, he confesses he never enjoyed driving those vehicles. He found the handling frustrating, which ultimately prompted his transition to NASCAR, a decision he now regards as the best of his career. The introduction of Next-Gen cars has rekindled his passion for racing, offering a more enjoyable experience compared to his previous outings.
“I feel like I made the best decision ever. 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
Van Gisbergen’s shift not only revitalized his enthusiasm but also demonstrated his adaptability and skill in a very different motorsport environment. He credits Justin Marks for having faith in him despite a rocky start to the season, highlighting the collaborative belief that helped sustain his progress through challenges.
“It justifies, or backs up, why we’ve done it and why Justin [Marks] believes in me. Justin looks like the smartest guy here after me locking into the playoffs, especially how dismal it looked early in the year. We all kept that belief.”
—Shane Van Gisbergen
Gradual Improvement on Oval Tracks
Van Gisbergen’s strongest performances have come on road courses and street circuits, reflecting his background in Supercars. However, mastering oval racing has been a significant hurdle. Speedways and superspeedways present unique challenges unfamiliar to many drivers transitioning from other racing formats. Despite this, Van Gisbergen’s progress has been steady, demonstrating his commitment to become competitive on all types of tracks.
A key moment highlighting this growth occurred at the 2024 Southern 500 in Darlington, where he initially struggled in qualifying due to car damage but improved continuously throughout the race. This demonstrated his ability to learn quickly and adapt his driving style to the demanding oval environment.
“When I went back to Darlington this year for the second time, I struggled there in the Southern 500 (in 2024), but in the race this year, I bent the car in practice, so we qualified badly. But in the race, we just got better and better as we went.”
—Shane Van Gisbergen
These developments signal that Van Gisbergen is progressing beyond his previous limitations on oval tracks, an achievement critical for consistent success in NASCAR’s diverse race calendar.
Establishing Himself as a NASCAR Contender
Van Gisbergen’s swift adaptation to NASCAR, combined with an already impressive record, makes him a driver to watch this season. Securing a Playoff spot after only a few months in the series confirms his ability to compete against seasoned stock car drivers, despite joining NASCAR late in his racing career. His evolution reflects not only personal determination but also the strategic support from Trackhouse Racing’s leadership.
As the NASCAR season unfolds, his performance will be closely monitored to see if he can maintain momentum and achieve long-term success. Van Gisbergen’s story underscores the potential for champions in one motorsport discipline to thrive in another, given the right circumstances and mindset.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Shane van Gisbergen quit?
A. Shane van Gisbergen believes he made a wise decision by leaving Supercars to try his luck in NASCAR. This year, he starts his first full season in the NASCAR Xfinity Series with Kaulig Racing after spending 15 years in Supercars.
Q. How much did Shane van Gisbergen win in NASCAR?
A. Shane van Gisbergen, driving for Trackhouse Racing, first won a race in Chicago in 2023. After that, he won the first Cup race in Mexico City earlier this year and then won again in Chicago. These three victories make him the most successful foreign-born driver in the history of the NASCAR Cup Series.
