Achieving Shane Van Gisbergen NASCAR success is an extraordinary feat, especially considering how fiercely competitive the sport is. Many drivers begin their preparation as early as age four, and the path to becoming a NASCAR driver demands relentless dedication. For those coming from outside the United States, the journey poses even greater challenges due to cultural and logistical barriers.
Despite these difficulties, several foreign-born racers have managed to leave a lasting mark in NASCAR, winning races and earning respect in the sport’s demanding environment. Here is a look at five notable international drivers who successfully navigated this path.
Nelson Piquet Jr.: Carrying a Champion’s Legacy from Brazil
Nelson Piquet Jr., son of former Formula One World Champion Nelson Piquet, made his own name in NASCAR with three career victories. In 2012, he finished seventh in the Truck Series championship after winning twice, and he also claimed a win in the Xfinity Series at Road America that same year. Piquet’s final NASCAR appearance came at age 30, marking the end of a significant chapter for Brazilian racers in stock car racing.
Marcos Ambrose: Australian Road Course Specialist
Before joining NASCAR, Marcos Ambrose was a two-time champion in Australia’s Supercars series. His best position in the NASCAR Cup Series standings was 18th, a result that fell short of expectations. Nevertheless, Ambrose proved his skill at road courses by winning twice at Watkins Glen and adding five Xfinity Series victories. His road racing talent made him one of the more successful Australians to compete in NASCAR.
Juan Pablo Montoya: Colombia’s Versatile Racing Icon
Juan Pablo Montoya stands out as one of the most adaptable drivers in motorsport history, with wins ranging from the Indianapolis 500 to Formula One and IMSA championships. His NASCAR career included two wins in the Cup Series and one in the Xfinity Series, validating his ability to compete at a high level across multiple disciplines, including stock car racing.
Mario Andretti: The Croatian-Born Legend’s NASCAR Achievement
Though widely known as an American racing legend, Mario Andretti was born in Motovun, a region now part of Croatia. His illustrious career includes victories in the Indianapolis 500 and a Formula One World Championship. In NASCAR, Andretti famously won the prestigious 1967 Daytona 500, marking the pinnacle of his stock car racing accomplishments.
Daniel Suarez: Mexico’s Groundbreaking NASCAR Champion
Daniel Suarez has redefined international success in NASCAR by becoming the only foreign driver to win a championship in the series. In 2016, he claimed the Xfinity Series title and is the only driver born outside the U.S. to win races in NASCAR’s three main national divisions. Suarez’s achievements include two Cup Series wins, four in Xfinity, and one in the Truck Series. Despite uncertainty about his Cup seat for 2026, Suarez remains a leading figure in Trackhouse Racing and a symbol of international breakthrough in NASCAR.
Foreign Drivers Shaping NASCAR’s Global Future
The successes of these five drivers highlight the expanding diversity and international reach of NASCAR. Their achievements demonstrate that foreign-born competitors can not only participate but thrive against the sport’s intense competition. As NASCAR continues to grow globally, the presence of international talent like Shane Van Gisbergen and others offers new hope and inspiration for drivers worldwide pursuing similar dreams.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Shane van Gisbergen, Adelaide?
A. Sadly, Van Gisbergen’s last races didn’t go as hoped. During the first lap on Saturday, he hit Will Brown’s car that had already crashed at Turn 4. On Sunday, he faced braking troubles that prevented him from finishing the race.
Q. Is Shane van Gisbergen still with Jessica Dane?
A. Shane van Gisbergen is dating Jessica Dane. They made their relationship known in 2022, but it started before that. Jessica’s father, Roland Dane, founded Triple Eight Race Engineering and is a well-known figure in Australian motorsport.
Q. Is Shane van Gisbergen an American citizen?
A. Shane Robert van Gisbergen, often referred to as SVG, is from New Zealand and he drives professionally in races. He was born on May 9, 1989.