Shane van Gisbergen is advancing rapidly in his NASCAR Cup Series career in 2025, showcasing his exceptional road course abilities while developing his skills on ovals. Despite this progress, van Gisbergen reveals that the demanding NASCAR schedule leaves him little time to pursue other racing ventures. In a December interview, he explained that the 37 to 38 weeks spent competing in the Cup Series consumes almost his entire year, closing off racing windows in both Australia and New Zealand by the time the American season concludes.
Although the extensive schedule restricts his options, van Gisbergen is optimistic about racing in New Zealand in the upcoming 2026 season.
I’d love to go do some races there, and you know, cuz it’s pretty shut down here in America this time of year,
he remarked. He also expressed a desire to spend more time at home during the summer months, noting
The winters are harsh, and I would love to get home and spend more time in the summer. [It] would be good.
However, when asked about potential races like the 24 Hours of Daytona or the Chili Bowl during the off-season, van Gisbergen firmly declined participation. While he had a solid offer to compete at Daytona, the physically taxing nature of that period and his commitment to Trackhouse Racing led him to pass on the opportunity, prioritizing his focus and energy for NASCAR.
Embracing the Intensity of a Grueling Racing Year
Last year, van Gisbergen raced for an extraordinary 36 consecutive weeks, earning five wins but also facing the inevitable strain of such a demanding schedule. Despite experiencing some burnout, he values the routine and excitement that NASCAR racing brings. Reflecting on his brief break after the season, van Gisbergen said,
I think I had a week and a half where I was like, ‘Yep, get some energy back.’ It was good to relax and then I’m now I’m being bored,
illustrating the difficulty of adjusting to downtime.
During this period, he focused on activities outside the race track to stay engaged.
You know, I don’t really have much racing planned or much to do. I redid my garage and did a bit around home in the sim room and stuff. I’m like, ‘What do I do now?’ Like, I really love the racing here and love the routine of it, but also the variety.
Van Gisbergen highlighted that the diversity of tracks and his involvement in preparation meetings add to his appreciation of the sport. He enjoys the structure of his racing life and believes that a few more wins in the future would make the experience even more rewarding.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Racing Season
Looking forward, van Gisbergen is hopeful for continued success in NASCAR and opportunities to reconnect with his roots in New Zealand. His candid reflections reveal both the challenges and satisfactions that come with balancing an intense racing career and personal interests. While the NASCAR Cup Series schedule imposes limits on his broader racing ambitions, van Gisbergen’s commitment to his team and the sport remains clear. With his skill and determination, he is poised to make 2026 a pivotal year for further achievements on and off the track.
