NASCAR Cup Series driver Shane van Gisbergen has shared that he seriously considered quitting motorsport following a difficult period with one of his former teams in 2012. The New Zealand racer, now competing full-time in NASCAR, struggled with uncertainty amid team ownership changes during his early Supercars career but chose to continue racing after his father encouraged him to persevere.
Van Gisbergen began racing full-time in NASCAR in 2024, initially competing in the Xfinity Series before moving to the Cup Series in 2025. This season, he has won two races held in Mexico City and Chicago, signaling a strong start to his career in American stock car racing.
Early Career Challenges and Turning Points
Prior to his NASCAR transition, van Gisbergen enjoyed significant success in the Supercars Championship. He secured three titles in 2016, 2021, and 2022, but recalls a particularly dark time following his sixth year in the series. At the end of 2012, he was racing for Stone Brothers Racing but became doubtful about the team’s direction after new owners took charge.
Describing the situation, van Gisbergen told The Athletic,
“In 2012, at the end of that year, I was out of racing. I wanted to stop, and I sort of did stop,”
adding that his father was instrumental in convincing him to keep going. A legal battle with his former team complicated matters publicly, but he managed to refocus on his driving after joining Tekno Autosports.
Van Gisbergen explained,
“There was so much outside noise and legal s*** going on, and then I went out and won the first race with a new team. So it was really cool to just go out there and push through that. It was messy, but great.”
Success with Tekno Autosports and Triple Eight
After leaving Stone Brothers Racing, van Gisbergen spent three seasons with Tekno Autosports, winning eight races, including one on his debut weekend in Adelaide. This period marked a resurgence in his career, setting the foundation for future accomplishments.
His performance earned him a move to Triple Eight in 2016, where he won his first Supercars championship during his rookie season with the team. He remained with Triple Eight for eight years, securing two additional titles before departing at the close of 2023 to focus on his NASCAR career.
Looking Ahead: Impact of Van Gisbergen’s Journey
Shane van Gisbergen’s near decision to retire and subsequent rise highlights his resilience and determination. His successful transition into the NASCAR Cup Series serves as an inspiration for drivers facing setbacks, proving that overcoming challenges can lead to new heights. As he continues to compete on the American circuit, his early victories suggest van Gisbergen may become a prominent figure in NASCAR’s future landscape.