New Zealander Shane Van Gisbergen recently spoke on SiriusXM NASCAR radio about his evolving Shane Van Gisbergen NASCAR journey, expressing that he feels fully at home within the sport and hopes to continue competing in the series for many years. Since making a sensational debut win in Chicago, the 36-year-old driver has quickly established himself as a formidable presence, especially on road courses, despite being relatively new to NASCAR.
Though Van Gisbergen still faces challenges on oval tracks, his skill on road circuits has earned him a spot as the third seed in the current playoffs and admiration from fellow drivers. He reflected on his experience transitioning into NASCAR, stating,
“It’s a very American sport which is awesome but to be welcomed by everyone and you brought into the series and feel like I’m a part of it now. That’s one of the coolest things to be an outsider but feel like, you know, everyone’s so friendly towards me and being able to really feel like I’m at home here, that’s probably been the most important one to me. I’ve really enjoyed my time here and tried to embrace the series here and I feel like I love the sport and I hope I’m part of it for a long time to come.”
—Shane Van Gisbergen, NASCAR driver
Record-Breaking Success in NASCAR’s Modern Era
Van Gisbergen’s four victories in just 34 starts have made him the fastest driver to reach that milestone in the modern NASCAR era. Impressively, all three of his victories this year were from pole position, tying him with NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon for the most consecutive road course wins achieved from pole. This accomplishment has solidified Van Gisbergen’s reputation as a dominant road racer within the Next Gen Era of the sport.
Van Gisbergen Opens Up About His Time in Australian Supercars
Before finding his stride in NASCAR, Shane Van Gisbergen enjoyed success in the Australian Supercars Championship, winning three titles. However, he recently admitted he grew to dislike racing in that series despite his accomplishments. Speaking candidly, he said,
“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, NASCAR driver
Upcoming Challenges: The ‘Monster Mile’ and a Competitive Rematch
Van Gisbergen is preparing for a significant challenge at Dover International Speedway, where he will compete in the Autotrader EchoPark Automotive 400. This demanding 400-lap race at the high-banked ‘Monster Mile’ will test his versatility away from the road courses where he excels. Fans can catch the event live on TNT Sports at 2 PM ET on Sunday, July 20.
Soon after, Van Gisbergen will return to his specialty at Watkins Glen International for a unique double duty weekend. This event is notable as it features a rematch between Van Gisbergen and young prodigy Connor Zilisch. Their most recent encounter at Sonoma saw the 18-year-old earn bragging rights after a fierce race-long battle, while Van Gisbergen claimed victory in their previous showdown at Chicago.
The Growing Legacy and What Lies Ahead for Van Gisbergen
Shane Van Gisbergen’s rapid rise and strong performances, particularly on road courses, have made him a standout figure in the NASCAR playoffs this season. His ability to adapt and gain respect as an international driver in a predominantly American sport highlights his determination and passion. As he tackles both the challenges of oval tracks like Dover and returns to familiar territory at Watkins Glen, his journey embodies a promising blend of persistence and potential for future success in NASCAR.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Shane van Gisbergen, Adelaide?
A. Sadly, Van Gisbergen’s last few races didn’t turn out as everyone had hoped. On Saturday, during the first lap, he bumped into Will Brown’s car, which had already crashed at Turn 4. Then, on Sunday, he faced braking problems that forced him to quit the race early.
Q. Is Shane van Gisbergen an American citizen?
A. Shane Robert van Gisbergen, often called SVG, is a professional race car driver from New Zealand and was born on May 9, 1989.
Q. How many Supercar Championships did Shane van Gisbergen win?
A. Often called “SVG,” van Gisbergen has a remarkable track record. He has victories in the Bathurst 12 Hour and achieved a top-three finish in the 24 Hours of Daytona. Additionally, he’s won three championships in the Australian Supercars series.