Shane van Gisbergen, following his recent NASCAR victory at Watkins Glen, inadvertently confirmed his marriage to Jessica Dane during a post-race interview. The Trackhouse Racing driver casually referred to Dane as “my wife,” providing the first public acknowledgment of their union.
The revelation came while van Gisbergen was discussing their pets, mentioning how Dane has a preference for giving human names to their dogs. This subtle confirmation marked the couple’s transition from private dating to a quietly acknowledged marriage.
The Personal Side of Shane van Gisbergen’s Life Surfaces in Conversation About Pets
At 36 years old, Shane van Gisbergen revealed the detail of his marriage through a lighthearted conversation about his dogs, noting that Jessica Dane has a tendency for human names when naming their pets.
“Jessica, my wife, she seems to have a thing for human names. All our animals seem to have human names. It’s pretty funny, yelling out. It suits him,” he said via Speed Cafe.
Van Gisbergen and Dane’s relationship began in 2022, during his participation in Supercars for Triple Eight Race Engineering. Dane was then an active shareholder in the team and closely involved in commercial and operational roles. Their initial dating phase coincided with Dane’s integral role in overseeing various team functions during race days.
The couple shared a home in Australia before eventually relocating to the United States. Throughout this time, they built a small family of pets, including a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Ronald and an Australian Red Heeler named Steve. Ronald notably joined van Gisbergen at Watkins Glen, even appearing in Victory Lane following the race.
Jessica Dane’s career evolved alongside their move to the U.S. She left her position at Triple Eight Race Engineering and took on new responsibilities with General Motors. Starting as motorsports integration manager, she advanced to become the Corvette Racing program manager. In mid-2024, she divested her 30% stake in Triple Eight to Earl Evans and Steve Blackmore, formally ending her role with the Supercars team.
The couple’s marriage was kept largely out of the public eye. Speedcafe reports indicate their wedding was discreet, with no formal announcement or media presence until van Gisbergen’s unintentional reveal.
Emotional Victory at Watkins Glen Shared With Father After Long Separation
Van Gisbergen’s triumph at Watkins Glen held special importance as it reunited him with his father, Robert van Gisbergen, who attended his first NASCAR race since 2023. Robert was unable to travel for health reasons during the past year, making this event his inaugural visit to Watkins Glen.
Robert’s racing background in rally and circuit motorsport in New Zealand deeply influenced Shane’s early interest and career path in racing. Speaking on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, Robert expressed admiration for both the venue and the performance of the team throughout the race weekend.
“Well, I was pretty impressed in Chicago a couple of years ago, but this is pretty cool. I am very impressed. Impressed with the team, impressed with everything. Impressed with the place actually. Quite stunning. It’s the first time here (Watkins Glen) for me,” he said.
Robert’s visit also included a brief stop in Knoxville, with plans to extend his stay to witness additional Cup Series events. The win was particularly poignant for van Gisbergen, combining family presence with professional success after a challenging year.
“Today was really special. I’ve never had my dog in Victory Lane before and my dad as well, he hasn’t been able to travel all year being sick and yeah, to have him here for the next three weeks and have a win with him, it’s just really cool to have that moment,” Shane van Gisbergen said post-race.
The victory carried extra emotional weight for the van Gisbergen family after a series of personal losses in 2024. Robert’s wife passed away in April, followed by the deaths of his sister and mother in subsequent months. This context amplifies the significance of the family reunion and the celebratory moment shared in the aftermath of the race.
Implications of Van Gisbergen’s Marriage Confirmation and Future Prospects
The unexpected confirmation of Shane van Gisbergen’s marriage adds a new dimension to the public’s understanding of the NASCAR driver’s private life. After years of maintaining discretion, this slip may signal a gradual openness as he balances his intensive racing schedule with family commitments.
Jessica Dane’s transition from an integral role within Triple Eight Race Engineering to a prominent position at General Motors also highlights the couple’s intertwining careers within the motorsport industry. Their partnership is built on mutual support and shared involvement in racing and its operations.
Looking ahead, van Gisbergen’s recent victory at Watkins Glen and renewed family support hint at an optimistic outlook for his NASCAR career. The presence of both Jessica and Robert at this milestone underscores the personal strength behind the driver’s ongoing dedication and success on the track.